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EVANGELISM 


AND  THE 


Revival  Work: 


OF- 


Rev.  G.W.WILSON. 

By  Rev.  J,  W.   Caldwell, 

OF  SOUTHERN  ILLINOIS   CONFEBENCB. 


With  an  Introduction  ty  Rev.  W.F.  SHORT,  D.  D.,  President 
oi  Jackso  nville  Female  College. 


"And  he  gave  some  Evangelists."— Eph.  iv:  11. 


How  beauteous  are  the  feet  of  those  who  bear 
Mercy  to  man,  glad  tidings  to  despair! 
Far  from  the  mountain's  top  they  lovelier  seem 
Than  moonlight  dews,  or  morning's  rosy  beam ; 
Sweeter  the  voice,  than  spell,  or  hymning  sphere, 
And  listening  angels  hush  their  harps  to  hear." 

Johnson. 


publishp:d  by  the  author. 

1884. 


f 


fi^ 


COPYRIGHTED,  1884, 

BY 

Rev.  J.  W.  Caldwell. 


PRESS  OF 

CHAS.  B.  WOODWARD 

PRINTING  &  BOOK    MANUFACTURING  CO. 

B11  TO  »1«  NORTH  SIXTH  ST. 

ST.  LOUIS. 


^DEDICATION.!^ 

To  the  many  who  rejoice  at  the  Gospel's  success, 
and  have  found  deliverance  through  its  power,  these 
pages  are  affectionately  inscribed  by. 

The  Author. 


'  i-^ illustrations!^ 

Portrait  of  Rev.  G.  W.  WILSON. 

Centenary  M.  E.  Church,  Jacksonville,  Ills. 
Nashville  M.  E.  Church,  Nashville,  His. 

Tacksonville  Female  College,  Jacksonville,  Ills. 


©TABLEOF  CONTENTS 

Dedication 3 

Illustrations 6 

Preface 11 

Introduction 13 

CHAPTERS  I,  II,  III. 
Sketch  of  Life  of  Rev.  G.  W.  Wilson 17 

CHAPTER  IV. 

A  Happy  Death 36 

CHAPTERS  V,  VI,  VU. 

Evangelism 41 

CHAFTER  VIII. 
Incidents  of  Woodboro  Revival 60 

CHAPTER  IX. 
Preparatory  Work,  or  Pastoral  Effort 67 

CHAPTER  X. 
Gillespie  and  Corrington  Chapel  Revivals 78 

CHAPTER  XI. 
Cooperation  of  Churches 87 

CHAPTER  XII. 
Bunker  Hill  Revival,  and  Comparative  Values 97 


VIII  CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Preaching  and  Exhortation 104 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
CoUinsville  Revival 115 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Song  and  its  Use 119 

CHAFrER  XVI. 
Nashville  Revival 131 

CHAPTER  XVII. 
Prayer 134 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Jacksonville  Revival 144 

CHAPTER  XIX. 
Revival  Converts 157 

CHAPTER  XX. 
Carlyle  Revival 169 

CHAPTER  XXI. 
The  Convert's  Influence 176 

CHAFFER  XXII. 

Other  Meetings 184 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

The  Care  of  Converts 188 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 
Incidents 200 


CONTENTS.  IX 

_  PAGE. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

The  Child  in  Revivals 206 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 
Camp  Meetings 217 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 
Invisible  Agencies 228 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 
Conclusion 240 


PREFACE.  XI 


PREFACE. 

"  Not  myself,  but  the  truth  that  in  life  I  have  spoken, 
Not  myself,  but  the  seed  that  in  life  I  have  sown. 
Shall  pass  on  to  ages, — all  about  me  forgotten, 
Save  the  truth  I  have  spoken,  the  things  I  have  done." 

— BONAR. 

The  Pulpit  and  the  Press  are  among  the  chief 
agencies  for  doing  good.  The  printed  sheet  may 
supplement  the  oral  discourse,  and  the  two  may 
be  true  yoke -fellows  in  religious  service. 

The  Spoken  Word  has  advantage  in  the  mag- 
netic influence  of  the  Speaker,  but  the  Written 
Word  in  a  ministry  to  a  greatly  increased  audi- 
ence, in  calm,  and  meditative  mood. 

There  are  great  possibilities  in  either  case. 

One  may  by  the  aid  the  Press  affords  enlarge 
his  influence  far  beyond  his  personal  contact. 

By  this  means  many  a  tender  strain  and  stir- 
ring note,  or  piercing  call,  have  been  prolonged 
in  all  their  variety  of  inflections. 

Aged,  and  feeble  ones,  who  never  saw  or  heard 
the  Messenger  of  God ,  whose  eloquence  and  pathos 
moved  the  mighty  throngs,  have  looked  with  de- 
lighted eye  upon  the  printed  page,  and  caught  the 
inspiration  of   the    by-gone  day  and  scene,  and 


XII  PREFACE. 

have  found  in  this  a  ministry  of  comforting,  or  of 
quickening  grace,  not  possible  in  any  other  way. 

*'  To  speak  a  word  in  season  to  him  that  is 
weary,"  though  it  may  be  by  the  silent  language 
of  the  pen,  may  prove  both  pleasant  and  helpful ; 
and  at  times,  be  one's  only  method  of  approach. 

So  with  this  thought  in  mind  we  have  written, 
hoping  that  something  in  these  groupings  of  per- 
son, and  service  and  subjects,  might  add  to  the 
minor  agencies  for  good,  and  afford  a  measure  of 
help  where  Evangelist  and  Pastor  might  never 
come. 

"The  smallest  bark  ou  life's  tumultuous  ocean, 
Will  leave  a  track  behind  forever  more ; 

The  lightest  wave  of  influence  set  in  motion, 
Extends  and  widens  to  the  eternal  shore." 

J.  W.  Caldwell. 

Godfrey,  Madison  County,  EL,  Nov.  10,  1884. 


INTRODUCTION.  XIII 


INTRODUCTION- 


The^subject  matter  of  this  volume, — Evangel- 
ism,— holds  a  vital  relation  to  the  world's  salva- 
tion, and  fills  a  large  place  in  the  Church's 
agencies. 

Prophecy  lifts  the  horoscope,  and  foretells  the 
earth's  redemption,  and  poetry  paints  its  regener- 
ated glory  in  more  than  Eden  loveliness. 

The  weary  worker  in  the  presence  of  towering 
forms  of  evil  that  have  struck  their  roots  deep  into 
the  debris  of  the  race's  depravity,  and  lifted  their 
frowning  heads  to  the  heavens,  often  cries  out, 
How  long,  O  Lord  !  How  long  ! 

The  evangel  of  prophecy  inspires  faith  and  hope, 
and  by  well-directed  blows,  every  baneful  growth 
is  hewn  down,  and  the  wilderness  becomes  a  fruit- 
ful field. 

The  command,  "  Preach  the  Gospel  to  every 
creature,"  implies  the  universal  extent  of  human 
need,  and  the  sufficiency  of  the  instrumentality 
for  its  supply. 

The  Gospel  is  the  world's  panacea,  the  remedy 
for  all  its  diseases.  It  is  to  dictate  civil  legisla- 
tion to  prevent  and  overthrow  its  wrongs  ;  it  will 
overcome  its  intellectual  darkness  by  fostering  and 


XIV  INTRODUCTION. 

diffusing  knowledge,  and  it  will  assuage  its  want 
and  woe,  by  opening  the  treasures  of  universal 
benevolence.  The  enemies  of  the  Gospel  are  active 
in  their  endeavors  to  destroy  faith  in  the  divinity, 
and  the  ultimate  success  of  its  heaven-appointed 
mission.  They  are  proclaiming  ''Failure  !"  from 
press  and  platform,  and  are  manifesting  suspic- 
ious haste  to  give  it  sepulture  among  the  effete 
and  exploded  systems  of  Paganism.  They  are 
already  mustering  their  forces  of  culture  and 
philosophy  to  supersede  the  Gospel  of  Christ  in 
the  world's  amelioration  and  salvation. 

A  successful  method  of  opposition  to  this  de- 
tour of  our  wily  foe  is  to  emblazon  on  our  ban- 
ners the  trophies  of  our  campaign.  It  will  quicken 
the  faith  and  courage  of  the  Church,  and  send  dis- 
may into  the  ranks  of  the  adversary. 

The  moral  regeneration  of  the  heart  and  life 
of  one  soul,  through  the  agency  of  the  Gospel,  is 
a  proof  and  prophecy  of  the  competency  and  cer- 
tainty of  its  universal  conquest.  But  instead  of 
one,  millions  have  been  marshalled  as  witnesses  of 
its  power  to  renew  and  save. 

Let  the  fruits  be  gathered  and  garnered  in  the 
store-house  of  the  Church's  literature,  to  quicken 
zeal  and  inspire  courage  through  all  her  ranks. 
Every  dictate  of  wisdom  and  duty  demands  the 
employment  of  the  most  efficient  agencies  and 
methods  in  the. propagandism  of  the  Gospel. 


INTRODUCTION.  XV 

No  unreasonable  conservatism  can  stand  before 
the  intelligent  call  of  an  aggressive  church  for  the 
'■'■more  excellent  way.'"  Since  the  commission  was 
first  given  by  the  Head  of  the  Church  almost  in- 
numerable changes  have  been  introduced  in  meth- 
ods and  instrumentalities. 

In  modern  evangelism,  distinctively  so-called, 
the  important  point  to  guard  is  that  of  responsi- 
bility. 

Responsibility  for  methods  and  matter  is  funda- 
mental in  all  such  forms  of  ao-ojressive  work. 

Irresponsibility  is  lawlessness,  is  a  fire  in  the 
rear. 

A  carte-blanche  commission  should  suggest  a 
spy  and  an  enemy.  Let  him  go  forth  bearing  the 
sign  and  seal  of  the  Church,  then  with  letters  pat 
ent  from  the  Court  of  Heaven  he  will  "  make  full 
proof  of  his  ministry"  in  multitudes  of  "living 
epistles."  Such  we  have  in  Rev.  G.  W.  Wilson, 
whose  abundant  and  successful  labors  have  been 
herein  gathered  and  presented  by  his  co-laborer, 
the  author.  The  character  of  the  work,  as  to  its 
arrangement,  is  new  and  pleasing.  The  narrative 
and  dictative  style  is  followed  in  alternate  chapters. 
The  themes  discussed  by  the  author  are,  in  them- 
selves of  vital  importance,  and  are  presented  in  his 
characteristically  facile  and  pleasing  manner,  and 
are  so  happily  fitted  to  the  narrative  portions  as  to 
make  the  whole  a  rare  literary  Mosaic.       May  all 


XVI 


INTRODUCTION. 


who   read  these   pages   arise   in    the  strength  of 
,. Israel's  seer  and   say,   "Here  am  I,  send   me!" 

W.  F.  Short. 

Jacksonville,  III.,  Nov.  19,  1884. 


CHAPTER  I. 

SKETCH  OF  LIFE. 

BIRTH. INFLUENCE     OF     MOTHER. BUSINESS. — ' 

REMOVALS. EMIGRATION. MEETING  OF  BROTH- 
ERS. 

%^EORGE  W.  WILSON  was  born  in  New 
Ross,  Wexford  county,  Ireland,  March  25, 
1853.  He  was  the  youngest  of  twelve  chil- 
dren. His  father  was  the  Commander  of  a  sail- 
ing vessel  plying  between  Waterford,  Ireland, 
and  Quebec,  Canada.  He  was  of  the  old  type 
of  Wesleyan  Methodists.  Hp  died  at  sea,  and 
was  buried  beneath  its  waves,  when  the  subject  of 
this  sketch  was  nine  years  of  age.  This  loss 
made  a  deep  impression  on  the  child  mind,  and 
one  that  was  formulated  in  vows  for  a  good  life 
at  that  early  day.  The  children  were  all  trained 
religiously,  and  schooled  to  venerate  the  Church 
and  conform  to  its  modes  of  worship  from  their 
infancy. 

The  mother  was  a  most  devoted  Christian,  yet 
soon  after  the  birth  of  George  she  became  sub- 
ject to  a  disease  that  rendered  her  a  confirmed 
invalid,  and  incapacitated  her  for  active  Church 
duties.       Still    her   deep   piety    constantly   per- 

2 


l8  SKEl^CH   OF   tilFE    Oi' 

vaded  the  home,  and  her  influence  in  mould- 
ing and  shajjing  the  religious  character  of  her 
children  was  of  incalculable  value  to  them, 
and  especially  in  the  case  of  the  youngest 
born.  Thus  too,  doubtless  many  a  noble 
worker,  grand  and  successful  minister  and 
teacher,  and  many  a  pious  Mary  and  careful 
Martha  could  bless  a  devoted  mother  for  sweet 
words,  pure  life,  and  undying  love,  that  in 
their  infantile  days  made  such  a  lasting  and 
beautiful  impress  upon  them,  resting  as  a  divine 
benediction  on  their  consecrated  lives. 
Many  a  one  may  say  : — 

"  She  led  me  first  to  God: 
Her  words  and  prayers  were  my  young  spirits  dew, 

For  when  she  used  to  leave 

The  fireside  every  eve, 
I  knew  it  was  for  prayer  that  she  withdrew. 

How  oft  has  the  thought 

Of  my  mourned  mother  brought 
Peace  to  my  troubled  spirit  and  new  power 

The  tempter  to  repel  ! 

Mother,  thou  knowest  well 
That  thou  hast  blest  me  since  my  natal  hour." 

The  shock  from  the  sudden  and  painful  loss  of 
the  husband  and  companion  of  so  many  years 
was  a  very  severe  one,  and  although  borne  with 
Christian  grace  and  fortitude,  was  one  from  which 
her  frail  nature  never  recovered.  She  gradually 
sunk  under  the  crushing  weight  of  sorrow  and  the 
influence  of  disease,  and  on  the  13th  of  January, 


EEV.    G.   W.   WILSON.  19 

1864,  she  passed  beyond  the  reach  of  shadows 
and  death  into  the  realms  of  endless  sunshine. 
Shortly  before  she  died  she  called  the  little 
George  to  her  bedside,  and  laying  her  hand  upon 
his  head,  gave  him  her  parting  blessing,  and  asked 
him  to  meet  her  in  heaven.  He  says  :  "I  prom- 
ised her  I  would,  and  promised  from  the  fulness 
of  my  young  heart.  How  I  loved  my  mother  ! 
And  how  her  hallowed  life  shines  out  at  every  step 
of  my  pilgrimage  in  these  later  years  as  one  of 
the  brightest  examples  of  godliness,  patience,  and 
love.  Well  do  I  remember  at  eventide  how  she 
would  call  me  to  her,  place  the  family  Bible  on 
her  knee,  and,  as  I  sat  on  my  stool  at  her  feet, 
she  would  explain  to  me  the  wonderful  truths  of 
God's  word.  Thus  in  my  childhood's  day  the 
sweet  truths  of  the  gospel  were  poured  into  my 
listening  ear  by  the  voice  of  my  praying  mother. 
O  ye  who  have  godly  mothers  to  hear  your  tale 
of  sorrow,  to  press  you  to  her  loving  bosom,  to 
teach  you  heavenly  truths,  and  lead  your  feet  up 
the  shining  way,  heed  them,  prize  them,  follow 
them." 

Through  the  blessing  of  God  in  using  human 
instrumentality,  very  many  of  the  best  of  men, 
and  most  successful  workers,  have  come  to 
their  piety  and  position  among  religious  laborers 
through  the  influence  of  the  mother.     Many  may 


20  SKETCH   OF   LIFE    OF 

"And  if  I  e'er  in  heaven  appear, 
A  mother's  holy  prayer, 
A  mother's  hand  and  gentle  tear, 
Have  led  the  wanderer  there." 

Until  his  mother's  death,  George  was  continued 
in  school,  and  made  rapid  progress  in  his  studies, 
but  with  this  sad  event  there  came  a  change  of  all 
the  family  plans.  George  was  removed  and  ap- 
prenticed to  Todd,  Brown  &  Co.,  dry  goods  mer- 
chants of  Dublin,  in  whose  employ  was  his 
brother-in-law,  in  the  cloak  department  of  the 
house.  His  stay  here  was  brief,  however,  on  ac- 
count of  the  death  of  this  brother-in-law,  through 
whose  influence  he  had  been  employed,  and  under 
whose  supervision  he  had  been  placed.  From 
Dublin  he  was  taken  to  London  and  placed  under 
the  care  of  an  elder  brother,  John,  who  is  at  this 
time  a  traveling  preacher  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church  in  the  Cincinnati  Conference.  For 
a  year  he  was  employed  in  the  book  house  of 
Brown  &  Co.,  in  Paternoster  Row.  Here  he  was 
surrounded  with  vice  in  its  ago-ravated  and  multi- 
plied  forms,  as  seen  in  the  great  cities.  Yet  the 
admonitions  and  prayers  of  godly  parents  followed 
him  in  all  his  environments  of  sin.  He  was  not 
a  Christian,  but  had  not  forgotten  to  pray,  and 
when  he  did  any  act  he  knew  was  in  violation  of 
the  religious  teaching  of  his  pious  parents,  he 
could  find  no  rest  until  he  sought  and  found  for- 
giveness. 


REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  21 

He  had  made  very  considerable  progress  in 
learning  the  business  in  which  he  was  employed, 
and  was  gaining  favor  with  his  employer,  and 
giving  promise  of  complete  success  in  this  calling, 
when  his  brother  found  reasons  for  changing  his 
position,  and  accepting  a  situation  in  Dublin,  and 
fearing  to  leave  one  so  young,  and  so  exposed,  alone 
in  the  gi-eat  city,  he  took  George  with  him,  and 
found  employment  for  him  as  salesman  in  a  dry 
goods  store.  In  the  fall  of  1866  two  of  his  sisters 
made  up  their  minds  to  come  to  America,  and  he 
being  desirous  to  accompany  them,  they  consented, 
and  all  embarked  at  Londonderry  for  Quebec, 
which  place  they  reached  in  September.  Thence 
they  proceeded  to  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  where  they  met 
the  oldest  brother,  whose  face  he  had  never  seen, 
though  he  was  now  thirteen  years  of  age.  He 
says  of  this  happy  meeting : — 

"  It  would  be  hard  to  imagine  my  feelings  as  I 
found  myself  in  the  embrace  of  a  brother  whose 
name  had  been  familiar  to  me  from  my  childhood, 
and  from  whose  hand  words  of  greeting  had  often 
come  to  the  bedside  of  my  invalid  mother,  bring- 
ing joy,  or  sorrow,  as  the  contents  of  these  letters 
were  eagerly  read.  How  often  I  had  longed  to 
know  him  face  to  face  ;  and  now  with  tears  of 
gladness  we  clasped  each  other  with  feelings  it 
seems  to  me  akin  to  those  experienced  by  loved 
QOes  in  their  greetings  on  the  other  shore," 


22  SKETCH   OF   LIFE   OF 


CHAPTER  II. 

ON    A    FARM. TEMPERAMENT. TEMPTATIONS. 

REVIVAL . CONVERSION . IMPRESSIONS . 

IS  health  at  this  time  was  poor,  probably 
the  result  of  long  and  close  confinement  in 
shops  and  stores,  and  on  this  account  he 
sought  and  found  employment  on  a  farm.  Of 
this  kind  of  work  he  had  no  knowledge,  yet  was 
active  and  ready,  and  soon  made  himself  useful 
in  this  new  field  of  effort.  He  was  kindly  cared 
for,  had  light  employment,  and  succeeded  in  do- 
ing enough  to  procure  board  and  clothing.  His 
health  rapidly  improved,  and  with  pleasant  sur- 
roundings he  spent  here  some  of  the  happiest  days 
of  his  young  life.  He  has  and  ever  will  have 
delightful  memories  of  this  country  home,  and 
the  kindly  family  with  whom  he  lived. 

After  spending  some  time  in  the  employ  of  Mr. 
Smith,  his  brother  James  buying  a  farm  near 
Buffalo,  he  went  and  lived  and  labored  with  him 
until  his  fifteenth  year.  He  now  began  to  plan 
for  the  future.  He  was  not  decided  in  regard  to 
any  course,  nor  yet  seeing  clearly  as  to  any  chosen 
line  of  work,  but  thinking  these  matters  over  as 
boys  will   do.     He  was  not  wild  and  reckless,  as 


REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  23 

many  boys  are  in  this  formative  period  in  life  ; 
attended  meetings  regularly,  was  a  lover  of 
Sunday-school  and  the  society  of  Christian  peo- 
ple, yet  was  a  sinner  violating  many  of  the  com- 
mands of  God,  and  conscious  of  being  in  an  un- 
saved condition.  Had  not  a  foundation  been  laid 
in  childhood,  broad  and  deep,  by  pious  parents 
and  Christian  brothers  and  sisters,  in  the  Sunday- 
school,  in  the  class-room,  and  the  home,  he  might 
easily  have  drifted  off  into  the  sinful  course  of 
life  so  common  to  thousands  around  him. 

"  Happy  the  home  where  prayer  is  heard, 
And  praise  is  wont  to  rise ; 
Where  parents  love  the  sacred  word, 
And  live  but  for  the  skies." 

Yet  a  Divine  Providence  alone  could  secure  one 
so  endangered  by  inward  tendencies,  and  so  drawn 
by  outward  attractions.  His  temperament  was 
such  as  to  fit  him  to  be  a  leader,  in  that  he  was 
amusing  and  mirth-provoking,  and  he  found  him- 
self made  an  important  factor  in  social  gatherings 
in  the  creation  of  amusements  for  the  hour.  He 
had  no  tendency  to  the  glaring  vices  of  the 
young,  and  the  very  instincts  of  his  nature  re- 
belled at  the  thought  of  profanity,  intemperance, 
dancing,  gaming,  and  lewdness.  Yet  there  were 
times  when  against  all  the  teachings  of  the  home, 
and  school,  and  Church,  and  voice  of  conscience, 
he  went  into  forbidden  paths. 


24  SKETCH    OF    LIFE    OF 

And  what  sinner  has  not  had  the  experience 
that  Paul  hisists  is  common,  viz.  :  "The  good 
that  I  would  I  do  not ;  but  the  evil  which  I  would 
not,  that  I  do." 

Once  he  was  induced  to  spend  the  Sabbath  day 
in  hunting, — a  sin  so  common  in  some  localities, 
and  so  indulged  in  by  non-chur'3h-going  classes. 
For  this  his  conscience  was  so  aroused  as  to  cause 
him  to  fear  some  accident  would  befall  him  be- 
fore he  reached  his  home,  and  from  which  he  was 
led  to  promise  solemnly,  if  his  life  was  spared, 
he  would  never  be  guilty  again. 

"  Manlike  is  it  to  fall  into  sin, 
Fiendlike,  is  it  to  dwell  therein, 
Cliristlike,  is  it  for  sin  to  grieve, 
Godlike,  is  it  all  sin  to  leave." 

In  February,  1868,  a  Mr.  Benstead  paid  us  a 
visit  in  a  kind  of  missionary  round  amongst  his 
neighbors.  His  heart  was  warmed  with  revival 
influence,  and  he  was  going  about  through  the 
community  calling  on  the  people  and  inviting 
them  to  a  meeting  being  held  in  St.  Mark's 
Methodist    Church,    Elk    Street,   Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

*'  Fond  of  singing,  and  hearing  the  young  peo- 
ple sing  as  they  were  on  their  way  to  church,  I 
consented  to  go.  As  we  started  to  church  they 
commenced  singing  those  songs  so  well  calculated 
to  stir  the  heart  of  the  careless  sinner,  awakening 
thoughts  of  the  danger  and  misery  of  living  in 


REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  25 

sin,  the  wonderful  grace  of  the  Saviour,  and  the 
delight  and  joy  of  the  believer.  I  enjoyed  the 
singing  until  one  sitting  by  my  side  said  to  me, 
'Are  you  a  Christian'?  I  answered,  'no,'  and 
ceased  to  shig.  The  power  of  a  word,  who  can 
tell !  What  trains  of  thought  are  started  by  a 
simple  question,  a  suggestion,  hint,  or  kindly  ad- 
monition ! 

'  A  nameless  man,  amid  a  crowd 
That  thronged  the  daily  mart, 
Let  fall  a  word  of  hope  and  love, 
Unstudied  from  the  heart: 
A  whisper  on  tlie  tumult  thrown, 
A  transitory  breath. 
It  raised  a  brother  from  the  dust. 
It  saved  a  soul  from  deatli. 
O,  germ!     O,  fount!     0  word  of  love! 
O  thought  at  random  cast! 
Ye  were  but  little  at  the  first. 
But  mighty  at  the  last ! ' 

**  At  the  meeting  I  thought  the  sermon  was  all 
for  me.  Rushing,  thronging  to  the  spot,  came 
the  memories  of  former  days,  the  dying  mother's 
blessing,  my  unfulfilled  promise,  and  the  godly 
admonitions  of  pious  friends.  My  heart  melted 
as  wax  before  the  fire,  under  the  influence  of  the 
preaching,  and  my  mental  responses  were  all  in 
harmony  with  the  fervid  appeals  of  God's  minis- 
ter. I  desired  to  go  at  once  as  a  seeker  of  re- 
ligion, but  hesitated  until  my  brothers,  James  and 
William,  went  forward  to  renew  their  consecration 


2Q  SKETCH   OF   LIFE    OP 

VOWS.  Then  I  waited  no  longer,  but  at  once  pre- 
sented myself  as  a  penitent  by  their  side.  I 
sought  for  pardoning  mercy,  and  not  in  vain,  for 
my  struggle  soon  ended  in  glad  release  from  bond- 
age, and  in  the  peace  that  comes  with  sense  of 
sins  forgiven,  and  I  could  say  : — 

*  All  praise  to  the  Lamb !  accepted  I  am, 
Through  faith  in  the  Saviour's  adorable  name; 
In  him  I  confide,  his  blood  is  applied, 
For  me  he  hath  suffered,  for  me  he  hath  died. 
Not  a  doubt  doth  arise,  to  darken  the  skies. 
Or  hide  for  a  moment  my  Lord  from  my  eyes : 
In  him  I  am  blest,  I  lean  on  his  breast. 
And  lo!  in  his  wounds  I  continue  to  rest.' 

"  The  cross  now  had  a  wondrous  beauty  to  me. 
Duty  was  a  pleasure.  I  walked  in  happy  com- 
munion with  God.  The  Bible  seemed  a  new 
book  to  me,  and  the  means  of  grace  were  my 
delight." 

The  young  believer  started  out  on  a  religious 
career,  amid  activities  betokening  the  services  that 
would  engage  his  after  years.  Now,  though  so 
young,  only  in  his  sixteenth  year,  he  was  found 
conducting  cottage  prayer  meetings,  and  doing 
such  religious  work  as  to  lead  directly  on  to  the 
larger  fields  of  ministerial  and  evangelistic  effort. 
At  this  early  day  the  voice  of  God  seemed  to  be 
calling  him,  and  the  finger  of  God  pointing  to  the 
"fields  white  to  the  harvest,"  and  an  inward 
desire  to  preach  the  gospel  to  the  perishing  multi- 


EEV.    G.    W.    WILSON. 


27 


tudes  around  him,  became  a  passion  of  his  being. 
He  found  himself  happy  in  active  service,  and  in 
a  devotion  that  led  to  an  outspoken  fealty  to  the 
cause  of  God,  and  positive  effort  to  save  the  souls 
of  men. 


28  SKETCH   OF   LIFE. OF 


CHAPTER  III. 

AN  INCIDENT. ITS    INFLUENCE. LOSS    OF    ENJOY- 
MENT.  NEGLECTS.  SICKNESS.  PROMISES. 

RENEWED  ACTIVITIES  AND  BLESSING. LICENSED 

TO  PREACH. REVIVALS. MARRIAGE,  &C.,  &C. 

N  incident  occurred  sometime  after  his  con- 
version changing  for  a  time  the  whole  phase 
of  his  religious  life,  and  casting  an  unhappy 
shade  over  years  that  ought  to  have  been  the  bright- 
est and  happiest  of  his  whole  career.  At  the  funeral 
of  a  young  friend  and  classmate  of  the  Sunday- 
school,  no  preacher  being  present,  not  a  word  was 
said,  and  silently  the  body  was  laid  in  the  grave. 
A  strange  feeling  came  over  him.  He  had  never 
spoken  on  such  an  occasion,  yet  it  seemed  mani- 
fest that  some  religious  person  ought  to  have  led 
in  some  kind  of  religious  service.  Yet  no  one 
had  the  courage  to  do  so,  and  he,  after  some  con- 
siderable mental  struggle  refrained  from  saying 
or  doing  what  the  Divine  Spirit  had  evidently  im- 
pressed on  his  mind  as  his  duty.  He  promised 
silently  and  solemnly  at  the  conclusion  of  this 
scene  that  on  any  future,  like  occasion,  he  would 
follow  the  leading  of  Providence,  and  not  shirk 
from  a  plain,  religious  duty.     Riding  home  after 


REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  f9 

the  burial  with  a  Christian  lady,  in  whom  he 
had  great  confidence,  he  disclosed  his  feelings, 
telling  of  the  impressions  he  had  experienced,  and 
expecting  to  find  sympathy,  and,  possibly,  helpful 
counsel.  But  greatly  to  his  surprise,  he  had  no 
answer  save  a  smile  of  disapproval  of  one  assum- 
ing such  a  responsibility.  "That  smile,' ^  he  has 
said,  "kept  me  back  three  years  from  my  divinely- 
appointed  mission,  and  well  nigh  cost  me  my 
soul's  salvation." 

What  a  word  or  look  can  do  !  How  they  can 
help  or  hinder  !  How  "wise,"  as  well  as  "harm- 
less," should  Christians  be! 

"The  deeds  we  do,  the  words  we  say, 
Into  the  still  air  they  seem  to  fleet, 
We  count  them,  ever  past; 
But  they  shall  last : 
In  the  dread  judgment  day, 
They  and  we  shall  meet!" 

The  picture  on  that  face  was  not  easily  or  soon 
forgotten,  and  the  impression  was  all  unfavorable 
to  the  happiness  or  success  of  the  confiding  and 
childlike  mind  that  had  looked  to  the  older  and 
more  experienced  Christian  for  instruction  and 
for  guidance. 

"  Whoso  shall  offend  one  of  these  little  ones, 
which  believe  in  me,  it  were  better  for  him  that  a 
millstone  were  hanged  about  his  neck,  and  that  he 
were  drowned  in  the  depths  of  the  sea." 

Like  Jonah,  he  now  "  fled  from  the  presence 


30  SKETCH   OF  LITE   OF 

of  the  Lord,"  and  like  him,  too,  found  an  en- 
vironment of  danger  and  trouble  wherever  he 
went.  He  left  the  community  where  he  had  lived 
so  happily,  and  where  so  many  had  been  inter- 
ested in  him,  and  where  religious  life  dawned  so 
auspiciously  upon  him,  and  soon  found  himself 
amongst  strangers  in  the  great  West,  at  Lawrence, 
Kansas.  '*  His  feet  had  well  nigh  slipped,"  and 
he  was  in  the  ' '  way  that  was  dark  and  leads  to 
death."  He  learned  by  sad  experience  that  the 
"  way  of  the  transgressor  is  hard,"  and  that 
neither  happiness,  nor  safety,  could  be  hoped  for 
apart  from  duty.  In  business  there  was  failure  ; 
in  body,  sickness  ;  in  mind,  unrest ;  in  heart,  cold- 
ness and  gloom,  and  over  all  and  in  all,  a  sense 
of  God's  displeasure. 

"  Thou  leadest  us  through  darkest  pain, 
Back  to  the  joyous  light  again." 

Laying  on  a  sick  bed,  seemingly  not  far  from 
the  line,  stretching  as  a  dim  border  between  the 
seen  and  unseen  worlds,  there  was  cause,  and 
time,  for  sobei*  reflection,  for  penitential  prayer, 
and  for  vows  for  constancy,  and  faithfulness  to 
his  convictions  in  the  future,  if  God  should  spare 
his  life.  Soon  a  hopeful  change  occurred  ;  health 
and  peace  were  restored,  and  the  happiness  of 
former  days  returned  again,  and  once  more  the 
soul  in  obedient  trust  went  forward  in  religious 
duty.     Here,  amid  those  chastenings,  in  this  time 


&EV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  31 

of  trial,  in  this  peril  hour,  at  this  crucial  point  in 
life,  he  made  a  more  full  and  complete  surrender 
of  all,  a  most  thorough  consecration  of  time  and 
talents  to  God's  service  than  at  any  former  period, 
and  found  in  his  own  experience  a  richer,  deeper 
measure  of  Divine  love  than  he  had  ever  known 
before. 

"  Love,  born  in  hours  of  joy  and  mirth, 
With  mirth  and  joy  may  perish ; 
That  to  which  darker  hours  gave  birth 
Still  more  and  more  we  cherish. 
It  looks  beyond  the  clouds  of  time, 
And  through  Death's  shadowy  portal; 
Made  by  adversity  sublime, 
By  faith  and  hope  immortal." 

Leaving  Kansas  he  came  East  to  St.  Louis,  and 
here  engaged  as  a  traveling  agent  for  a  book 
house.  His  work  led  him  over  the  thoroughfares 
mostly  between  Burlington,  Iowa,  and  Memphis, 
Tenn.  Stopping  often  at  intermediate  points, 
wherever  he  had  opportunity  even  in  his  transient 
stay,  he  attended  religious  services,  and  shrank 
not  from  any  Christian  duty. 

In  October,  1873,  he  was  licensed  to  preach, 
and  from  that  time  forward  when  occasion  favored 
he  publicly  ministered  to  the  people  as  a  licentiate 
of  the  Church. 

During  a  camp  meeting  held  near  O'Fallon  he 
met,  for  the  first  time.  Miss  Jennie  E.  Thurston, 
a  graduate  of  Mrs.  Blair's  Seminary,  at  Lebanon. 


32  SKEfCH   OF   LIFE   OI* 

Between  them  a  mutual  attachment  sprung  up, 
which  resulted  in  their  marriage  August  18, 1874. 

Mrs.  Wilson  proved  to  be  an  excellent  wife, 
and  shared  uncomplainingly  the  hardships  of  an 
itinerant  life  in  the  various  charges  to  which  Mr. 
W.  was  appointed,  until  the  Master  closed  her 
earthly  work  in  her  triumphant  death  at  Donnel- 
son.  Ills.,  January  1,  1882. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilson  were  given  four  chil- 
dren,— May  Alice,  Carrie  Etta,  Nellie  Lee,  and 
John  Walter.  The  eldest.  May  Alice,  died  of 
membranous  croup,  at  Donnelson,  December  1, 
1881.  Mrs.  Wilson  and  this  child  rest  in  College 
Hill  Cemetery,  Lebanon,  Ills. 

Mr.  Wilson  after  his  marriage  continued  his 
business  as  agent  for  the  St.  Louis  book  house 
mentioned  in  a  former  page.  While  traveling  in 
the  South  in  September,  1875,  he  was  invited  to 
hold  a  series  of  meetings  at  Whitehaven,  Tenn. 
Here  he  spent  a  week,  finding  a  field  of  great  in- 
terest, and  seeing  a  gracious  revival  of  God's 
work  among  the  people.  Thirty-two  persons 
made  a  profession  of  religion,  many  backsliders 
were  reclaimed,  and  an  awakening  power  per- 
vaded the  whole  community.  At  this  meeting 
a  "dancing  club"  came  under  the  gracious  influ- 
ence, many  of  them  becoming  religious,  forsaking 
the  "pleasures  of  sin,"  the  amusements  of  the 
dance,  for  the  sweet  delights,  the  substantial  joys 


hev.  g.  w.  WILSON.  B3 

of  Christian  life.  The  people,  becoming  so  much 
interested  in  the  work,  and  the  congregation  en- 
larging from  time  to  time,  they  arranged  for  and 
built  a  large  arbor  for  the  daily  gatherings.  On 
Sabbath  about  six  hundred  persons  were  present, 
and  spent  a  day  in  delightful  religious  devotions. 
Being  called  to  Lebanon,  Ills.,  on  account  of  the 
death  of  Mr.  Kobert  Thurston,  his  father-in-law, 
a  meeting  of  wonderful  interest  was  abruptly 
closed. 

Rev.  Mr.  Shimmim,  since  deceased,  labored 
heartily  and  usefully  in  this  meeting. 

Once  in  visiting  Burlington,  Iowa,  he  was  de- 
tained for  several  days  on  account  of  a  revival 
which  commenced  from  the  preaching  of  a  ser- 
mon on  Sabbath  afternoon,  in  the  Swedish  Church 
of  that  place.  Eleven  persons  professed  religion 
at  the  meeting  on  Sabbath  evening,  and  before 
the  series  of  meetings  closed  thirty  persons  pro- 
fessed conversion.  Thus  God  owned  the  efforts 
of  His  servant,  and  in  these  minor  meetings  gave 
a  prophecy  of  the  enlarged  usefulness  of  succeed- 
ing years.  At  various  places  providential  open- 
ings seemed  to  occur,  giving  opportunity  for  the 
employment  of  his  special  gift  for  revival  Avork. 

During  the  time  he  had  been  engao-ed  as  a  trav- 
eling  agent,  he  had  acted  in  the  capacity  of  a  local 
preacher,  yet  had  always  felt  convictions  concern- 
ing evangelistic  work  and  the  duty   of   entering 

3 


34  SKETCH   OF   LIFE    OF 

the  regular  ministry.  With  these  impressions 
following  him  in  all  his  journeyings,  he  had  de- 
cided that  upon  an  opening  being  made  for  his 
employment,  he  would  give  himself  wholly  to 
ministerial  work.  Finding  such  an  opportunity, 
through  the  recommendation  of  the  Lebanon 
Quarterly  Conference,  he  at  once  embraced  it 
and  discontinued  his  secular  business.  Having  a 
meeting,  however,  in  progress  in  Memphis,  Tenn., 
he  failed  to  be  present  at  the  session  of  the 
Southern  Illinois  Conference  for  examination, 
and  was  consequently  not  received  as  a  proba- 
tioner in  the  Conference  until  the  following  fall. 
He  was  employed,  however,  by  the  presiding 
elder  of  the  Mt.  Vernon  District  as  a  supply  at 
Ullin,  where  he  spent  two  years  as  pastor,  being 
appointed  by  the  Bishop  in  the  fall  of  1876.  He 
served  the  Church  as  pastor  at  Benton  one  year, 
Tamaroa  two  years,  Donnelson  two  years,  and 
Litchfield  Circuit  one  year. 

There  were  gracious  revivals  of  religion  in  all 
these  charges,  and  many  were  brought  into  the 
Church  under  his  labors.  The  past  year  his  work 
has  been  wholly  of  an  evangelistic  character,  and 
many  and  extensive  revivals  of  religion  have  oc- 
curred in  connexion  with  this  earnest  and  nearly 
continuous  ministry.  The  sketches  in  the  suc- 
ceeding pages  will  indicate  the  places  where  his 
labor  has   been   bestowed,  the  character   of   his 


REV.    G.    W.    WILSON. 


35 


work,  and  the  measure  of  success  with  which  the 
Divine  blessing  has  crowned  it. 


36  SKETCH   OF   LIFE   OF 


CHAPTER  IV. 

EEMING  it  desirable  that  more  than  a 
mere  mention  should  be  made  in  these 
pages  of  Mrs.  Jennie  Wilson,  whose  early 
death  was  more  than  ordinarily  triumphant,  and 
whose  life  and  death  aided  in  giving  shape  to  the 
evanofelistic  career  of  her  husband,  we  have  in- 
serted  this  chapter  on  : — 

"A    HAPPY    DEATH." 

Lift  not  thou  the  wailing  voice, 
Weep  not,  'tis  a  Christian  dieth. 
Up  where  blessed  Saints  rejoice. 
Ransomed  now  the  spirit  flieth ; 
High  in  Heaven's  own  light  she  dwelleth. 
Full  the  song  of  triumph  swelleth ; 
Freed  from  earth  and  earthly  failing. 
Lift  for  her  no  voice  of  wailing.'" 

On  Christmas  day,  1881,  there  came  as  God's 
gift  to  this  Christian  family  a  son,  their  first  son, 
to  gladden  their  hearts  and  make  the  day  a  doubly 
memorable  one  to  them.  And  on  this  anniversary 
of  the  coming  of  the  Saviour,  what  thoughts  this 
new  advent  would  awaken,  what  prospects  for 
the  future  open  up,  what  hopes  of  manhood's 
usefulness  inspire,  and  what  promises  of  parental 
thoughtf ulness  and  careful  oversight  call  forth ! 


HEV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  37 

The  day  was  auspicious,  the  husband  had  rejoiced 
in  the  manifestations  of  Divine  goodness  and 
power  in  a  morning  meeting,  and  husband  and 
wife,  before  the  day  closed,  in  the  mutual  happi- 
ness of  the  birth  of  their  first  son  into  the  world. 
But  strange  are  the  mutations  of  time  !  Wonder- 
ful are  the  alternations  of  sunshine  and  shade,  of 
light  and  darkness,  of  joy  and  sorrow,  or  glad- 
ness and  gloom  !  How  hope  and  fear  alternates, 
sweet  and  bitter  commingle,  and  pleasure  and 
pain  touch  the  same  thin  line  !  No  one  can  tell 
what  even  a  ' '  day  may  bring  forth' '  :  o  f  its 
treasures  to  cast  into  the  lap,  its  sorrows  to  pour 
into  the  heart,  its  joys  to  fill  our  mind,  its  beau- 
ties to  charm  us,  its  ills  to  goad  or  grieve  us,  its 
disappointments  to  perplex  or  distress  us  ! 

"  Such  is  life:  all  fair  to-day,  dark  to-morrow,  dull  and  gray: 
Changing  ever  like  the  moon,  or  the  fleecy  clouds  of  June, 
Now  in  lightness,  now  in  gloom;  now  the  cradle,  now  the 
tomb." 

From  promise  of  recovery  to  health  in  nature's 
accustomed  season,  there  comes  in  a  few  days  an 
omen  of  danger, — a  fever.  It  is  not  the  light 
and  transient  heat  of  excitement,  nor  the  paroxys- 
mal glow  that,  pendulum-like,  is  the  swing  to 
that  farthest  extreme  from  chill,  but  that  which 
rises  to  a  fullness  and  moves  in  steadiness  and 
strength,  seizing  with  relentless  hold  upon  the 
victim,    already  weakened    by  overexertion,   en- 


38  SKETCH   OF   LIFE    OF 

feebled  by  painful  efforts,  and  ready  to  succumo 
to  a  fresh  and  vigorous  foe,  and  hastens  its  fatal 
work  in  spite  of  every  human  effort.  Whether 
others  perceived  what  the  issue  of  this  unequal 
contest  would  be  or  not,  there  was  One  who  saw 
the  doom  impending  in  this  struggle.  God  gave 
intimations,  then  the  clear  disclosure  to  the  suf- 
ferer that  the  end  was  nigh.  She  saw  an  early 
and  glad  release  from  the  ills  and  pains  of  life  to 
her,  but  sad  bereavement  and  life-long  loss  to 
those  behind.  Friday  night,  December  30,  at 
10  o'clock,  she  called  her  husband  to  her  bedside, 
saying  to  him,  "  I  am  going  to  die  ;  I  want  you 
by  me,  that  I  may  talk  to  you." 

(Here  I  give  the  account  nearly  as  may  be  in 
the  words  of  Bro.  W.,  who  penned  the  expres- 
sions, conversations,  and  incidents  in  his  diary.) 

Then  she  said  :  "  It  is  glorious,  angels  form 
an  arch  over  me  with  their  wings,  and  May  (the 
little  girl  that  had  died  a  year  before)  is  at  the 
study  door  waiting  for  me.  Don't  you  see  her"  ? 
I  said  no,  dear,  I  do  not.  She  said  :  "  Go  to  the 
study  door,  and  see  her ;  now  don't  you  see 
her"?  Again  I  said,  no,  I  cannot.  She  said: 
"  I  am  sorry  that  I  cannot  make  you  see  her." 

Her's  was  the  almost  spirit  vision,  ours  the 
dull  and  mortal  one.  To  her  the  veil  was  partly 
rent ;  to  us  it  was  thick  as  walls  of  human  habita- 
tion.      To   her  the  others,  those  of  that  spirit 


KEV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  '69 

land  were  nearest ;  to  us  these  little  human  sor- 
rowing children  gathered  around  her  bed.  But 
such  are  God's  ways  of  fitting  us  each  for  our 
allotted  sphere, — she  by  assimilation  for  the 
heavenly,  we  by  our  unchanged  mortality  for  our 
earthly  state.  She  might  see  the  angels  ;  I  must 
see  human  beings.  She  might  forget  time  and 
sense :  I  must  be  awake  to  earthly  calls,  and 
though  I  might  rejoice  in  her  clear  vision  of  the 
skies,  and  the  triumph  of  grace  in  her  happy 
death,  I  must  invoke  Divine  aid  for  my  burdens, 
to  be  doubled  from  this  hour,  and  for  light  for 
my  future  shadowed  pathway.  She  reminded  her 
mother  and  myself  of  our  human  weaknesses,  and 
exhorted  us  to  greater  watchfulness  and  care  in 
our  coming  life.  She  then  sung  as  she  never 
sung  before : 

"  Wont  that  be  a  happy  meeting, 
Over  on  the  other  shore,"  &c. 

Singing  and  talking  she  passed  the  night.  Said 
she  had  been  praying  all  morning  that  her  mind 
might  be  perfectly  clear  in  the  last  moments  of  her 
life.  She  exhorted  me  to  Work  !  Work  !  Work  ! 
saying,  "thousands  of  souls  are  going  down  to 
death."  She  seemed  to  be  impressed  with  the 
idea  that  I  would  be  greatly  aided  in  my  work, 
and  find  large  success  in  striving  to  win  souls  to 
Christ.  Said:  "If  there  is  any  such  thing  as 
ppmiujg  b^ck  to  earth,  I  will  be  with  you."    Took 


40  SKETCH    OF    LIFE    OF 

Carrie  and  Nellie,  kissed  them,  and  prayed  God 
to  bless  them,  telling  Carrie,  the  oldest,  to  be 
obedient  to  her  Pa,  and  meet  her  in  heaven. 
When  she  came  to  the  infant  she  desired  he 
should  be  baptized  before  she  died.  Rev.  Mr. 
Freese,  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Church, 
administered  the  ordinance.  When  asked  to 
name  the  child,  she  called  him  John  Walter.  She 
joined  heartily  in  the  prayer  of  consecration,  and 
afterwards  caressed  the  child  with  a  mother's 
fondness.  Prayed  for  Lebanon,  her  home  be- 
fore she  was  married,  and  for  her  brothers,  say- 
ing: "They  were  not  saved  by  ray  life  ;  perhaps 
they  will  be  by  my  death."  Then,  after  bless- 
ing all,  some  thirty  persons  in  the  room,  said,  *'  I 
am  done,"  asking  us  to  sing,  which  we  did  well 
as  we  could  in  our  sorrow,  she  joining  us  : — 

"  My  latest  sun  is  sinking  fast, 
My  race  is  nearly  run,"  &c. 

And  as  the  sun  of  heaven  was  going  down,  so,  too, 
the  sun  of  life  was  setting  to  her,  while  the  more 
glorious  "  Sun  of  riajhteousness"  was  risino:  with 

o  o  c 

undimmed  and  indescribable  splendor,  to  set  no 

more  forever.      At   5  :40  p.  m.,  that  memorable 

New   Year's  day,  she  left  us  to  go  where  there 

is  no  night,  to  be  "  forever  with  the  Lord." 

'•  And  her  last  fond,  lingering  look  is  given 
To  the  love  she  leaves,  and  then  to  Heaven ; 
As  if  she  would  bear  that  love  away 
Jo  a  purer  world  and  brighter  day." 


REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  41 


EVANGELISTIC  WORK. 


CHAPTER  V. 

"  Fly  abroad,  mighty  Gospel ; 
Win  and  conquer,  never  cease; 
May  thy  lasting  wide  dominions 
Multiply  and  still  increase; 

Sway  thy  scepter, 
Saviour,  all  the  world  around." 

'HE  human  mind  is  of  such  natural  cast,  as  to 
find  its  employment,  as  well  as  delight,  in 
very  varied  fields .  It  is  not  satisfied  with  a 
tame  round  of  scenes,  engagements  or  exercises  ; 
running  in  grooves  of  wearisome  monotony  vio- 
lates the  very  laws  of  our  being,  and  our  endow- 
ment of  great  intellectual  activity  seeks  for  breaks 
in  the  chain  of  life's  doings  ;  delights  in  some 
jostling  along  the  human  roadway,  and  even  col- 
lisions sometimes  may  end  happily  the  tiresome 
sameness  of  a  journey  insipid  and  dull. 

*'  The  rapid,  and  the  deep,  the  fall,  the  gulph, 
Have  likenesses  in  feeling  and  in  life. 
And  Life,  so  varied,  hath  more  loveliness 
In  one  day  than  a  creeping  century 
Of  sameness." 

So  God's  order  is  to  foster  the  love  of  the  di- 
verse, under  proper  religious  restraints,  and  give 


42  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

field  of  great  scope  for  the  employment  of  gifts 
that,  seemingly,  are  almost  at  antipodes  in  the 
mental  make-up  of  men.  The  desire  for  variety 
is  found  to  exist  in  human  minds  in  regard  to  re- 
ligious work,  as  well  as  in  reference  to  any  of  the 
ordinary  business  affairs  of  life.  This  desire  is 
an  ingrained  element  of  human  character,  some- 
times appearing  in  demonstrative  and  exacting 
forms,  yet  always  existing  in  greater  or  less 
vitality,  and  likely  to  continue  as  a  mental  force 
to  the  end  of  time.  It  need  not  be  denominated 
"  a  love  of  novelty,"  but  rather  is,  when  applied 
to  religious  life,  a  demand  for  the  complement  of 
Gospel  forces  and  Christian  workers.  So  the 
whole  New  Testament  scheme  suggests  and  pro- 
poses an  evangelism  of  many  agents,  a  variety 
of  offices,  numerous  endowments  and  gifts,  and  a 
vast  array  of  possible  appliances  and  forces. 

Let  us  not  fall  into  the  error  of  supposing  that 
Divine  Wisdom  arranged  an  economy  in  cramped 
forms,  or  by  procrustean  methods,  and  rigid  lines 
of  Churchly  order,  unchanging  'mid  changing 
scenes,  and  diversified  conditions  and  times. 
No,  the  system  is  one  of  wondrous  flexibility  in 
its  forms  and  externals,  in  the  non-essentials,  and 
these  are  many ;  and  in  nothing  does  its  pre- 
eminence appear  more  strikingly  than  in  this. 
Hence  we  see  the  great  elevation  at  which  it 
gtaiids,  above  any  devisement  that  it  would  have 


OF   REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  43 

been  possible  for  human  wisdom  to  have  reached. 
Man  would  have  arranged  for  a  oneness,  in  visibles 
and  externals,  that  would  at  once  have  disclosed 
its  earthly  origin,  and  revealed  it  in  its  human 
weakness.  As  it  is,  it  does  in  nowise  narrow  and 
circumscribe  its  force,  to  accommodate  the  Jew 
or  Gentile,  to  the  exclusion  of  the  other.  This 
freedom  makes  the  possibility  of  all  the  evangeli- 
cal forms  of  Christendom.  Yet  it  gives  to  none 
pre-eminence,  only  in  that  it  may  be  possible  for 
some  denominational  body  to  possess  by  its  more 
conformed  methods  and  greater  activity,  a  degree 
of  spiritual  vitality  and  power  for  good,  not  pos- 
sible to  bodies  less  evangelical,  and  more  given  to 
formal  than  spiritual  service.  So  a  possibly  pure 
Church  may  very  much  vary  her  plans.  And  a 
demand  for  variety  in  Church  methods  and  agents 
is  neither  unwise  nor  unscriptural,  nor  yet,  under 
wholesome  restraints,  likely  to  be  productive  of 
other  than  good  and  desirable  results.  So  change 
in  agents  in  religious  work  becomes  the  common- 
est of  things.  One  set  may  succeed  in  one  line, 
another  prove  efficient  in  a  different  sphere,  and 
still  another  where  both  of  these  might  fail.  So 
"  He  hath  given  some  apostles,  and  some 
prophets,  and  some  evangelists,  and  some  pas- 
tors and  teachers,  for  the  work  of  the  ministry, 
for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ."  Thus 
indicating  a   purpose  to  supply  the  extremes  of 


44  EVANGELISM,  AND   REVTVAl,   WORK 

demand,  with  classes  of  agents  best  suited  to 
peoples  and  times.  And  every  period  of  church 
history  has  furnished  its  quota  of  every  rank,  to 
make  up  the  whole  of  God's  grand  army,  and 
keep  the  church  in  measure  supplied  with  agents 
of  such  qualification  and  order  as  times  and  con- 
ditions might  demand. 

It  is  not  the  purpose  in  presenting  these 
thoughts  on  evangelism  to  underrate  any  class  of 
religious  workers,  nor  to  depreciate  one  by  an 
overestimate  of  another,  but  rather  to  magnify 
each  in  his  own  proper  place  as  the  servant  of 
God.  The  meteor,  shooting  athwart  the  plane- 
tary pathway,  with  liquid  glow,  lighting  momen- 
tarily the  recesses  of  the  vast  arcs  above  us,  gives 
us  a  fulness  of  brilliancy  to  compensate  for  its 
evanescent  stay ;  and  its  lurid  glare  serves  to 
break  the  monotony  of  the  quiet,  changeless 
splendor  of  the  distant  suns.  And  the  irregular, 
seemingly  divergent  lines  traced  by  the  flight  of 
comets,  are  doubtless  in  perfect  harmony  with 
cosmic  laws,  and  just  as  certainly  conform  to  or- 
dered processes  as  the  revolutions  of  the  planets, 
or  the  changes  of  the  seasons.  The  processes  in 
grace  are  just  as  harmonious,  though  as  seeming- 
ly divergent.  The  Gospel  ministry,  in  all  its  or- 
ders, and  offices,  and  functions,  and  the  Chris- 
tian Church,  in  all  its  members,  and  services,  and 
devotioiis,  is  a  religious  cosmos,  more  beautiful, 


OF  REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  45 

and  complete  in  harmony  than  that  of  the  ma- 
terial universe.  The  pastor,  preacher,  teacher, 
prophet,  evangelist,  and  worker,  each  according 
to  Divine  appointment,  finds  his  appropriate  place, 
moves  in  his  proper  sphere,  and  exerts  his  attrac- 
tive force,  as  certainly  in  the  Christian  system, 
and  economy  of  grace,  as  sun  and  moon  and  stars 
in  the  fields  of  space.  No,  "  God  is  not  the 
author  of  confusion,  and  here  as  elsewhere,  he 
reigns  in  Divinest  order. 

Religious  society  is  constructed  on  such  princi- 
ples as  that  its  coherence  depends  upon  harmony. 
Order  is  a  law  of  church  life,  and  system  and 
churchly  regulations  are  essential  to  church  work, 
but  none  of  the  fetters  of  mere  conventionalities 
can,  or  ought  to  hold  men  in  beaten  pathways  of 
routine  service,  whose  very  religious  being  began 
amid  fiery  scintillations,  and  glowed  from  its 
very  dawn  in  Nature's  appointed  erratic  lines. 

St.  Paul  became  a  "law  unto  himself"  in  his 
ministerial  plans  of  work  and  fields  of  effort ;  and 
so  now,  in  these  latter  days,  a  man  like  "William 
Taylor  must  "assume  an  orbit  more  grand  and 
wide  than  the  organic  dimensions  of  the  church 
*'  that  gave  him  birth,  and  in  which  he  is  spend- 
ing his  ministerial  life. 

So,  too,  John  Wesley  found  himself  straitened 
by  the  organic  forms  and  conventionalities  of  the 
church   that  gave   him   birth,  and   in   which   he 


46  EVANGELtSM,   AKD    REVIYAL   WORK 

spent  his  life  ;  but  by  more  thau  ordinary  force 
of  will  and  religious  power  threw  off  the  fetters 
of  mere  formalism,  and  asserted  his  independ- 
ence of  human  regulations  and  the  churchly  cus- 
toms, of  what  was  then  a  subservient  ministry. 
To  preach  the  Gospel  he  left  the  chapels  and  took 
the  fields,  and  passing  the  bounds  of  parochial 
limitation,  he  declared  "  the  world  is  my  parish," 
and  with  heart  aglow  with  the  Saviour's  love,  he 
went  as  a  blazing  meteor  through  two  hemis- 
pheres, showing  to  benighted  men  the  pathway 
from  earth  to  heaven.  And  still  men  rise  of 
Wesley's  type,  and  go  whither  the  churches  send 
them  not.  Their  number,  too,  increases ;  and 
their  importance  demands  a  more  formal  recogni- 
tion now  than  in  any  former  period  of  the 
church's  history.  The  religious  world  seems 
more  than  ever  satisfied  that  they  are  indispensa- 
ble to  the  complement  of  Christian  workers. 
Theirs  is  not  an  irresponsible,  disorganizing  work, 
standing  apart  entirely  from  that  of  Christian 
pastors.  If  so  it  might  well,  and  would  be  uni- 
versally, feared  and  frowned  upon.  Their' s  sup- 
plements the  pastor's  work.  And  in  so  far  as  it 
is  not  supervised  by  those  in  care  of  churches,  it 
may  prove  worthless,  and  even  hurtful  to  religious 
life.  The  pastor  must  exercise  careful  oversight, 
must  heartily  co-operate  in  evangelistic  effort, 
and  must  give  direction  more  or  less  emphatic,  in 


OF  REV.    C.    W.    WlLSOJf,  47 

the  whole  process  of  revival  work.  To  properly 
husband  the  fruits  of  evangelistic  work,  he  must 
make  his  own  personality  so  felt  as  to  become 
identified  with  all  its  varied  processes,  and  sub- 
jects of  its  influence  as  far  as  it  may  be  possible 
for  him  to  do.  In  varied  ways,  and  for  many 
reasons,  the  evangelist  may  succeed  where  the 
most  pious  and  earnest  pastor  could  only  fail. 
Evangelists  have  methods,  erratic  as  they  may 
seem.  These  are  not  apparent  to  the  unobservant, 
hence  their  forcefulness  is  much  increased.  They 
are  different  from  the  settled  pastor,  and  by 
striking  out  in  new  lines  of  effort,  or  diverging: 
into  unfrequented  paths  of  action,  or  adopting  un- 
expected methods,  the  Evangelist  gains  a  respect- 
ful and  thoughtful  hearing  of  his  message,  and 
compels  by  novelty  of  presentation  of  truth,  one- 
ness of  purpose,  and  a  persistent  demand  for 
present  action,  a  wide,  and,  sometimes,  universal 
attention.  He  too,  often  (I  will  not  say  God's 
people  in  this  act  toward  their  pastor,  wise  or 
well )  commands  and  secures  a  hearty  co-operation 
of  the  members  of  the  Church,  and  gains  in  the 
outset  one  important  factor  in  successful  revival 
work, — the  positive  captainc}^  of  that  militant 
force  at  hand,  wh^re  the  pastor  could  not. 

We  whose  lots  are  in  the  defined  sphere  of 
pastors,  settled  it  may  be  or  appointed,  and  run- 
ning as  the  wound-up  time  keeper,  until  the  ma,- 


48  Evangelism,  and  revival  wouk 

chinery  needs  readjusting  by  the  annual,  biennial, 
triennial,  or  quadrennial  session,  feel,  too  often, 
that  any  attachment  to  the  system  of  which,  in 
most  senses,  we  are  the  complement,  is  detractive 
of  our  perfection  as  agents  of   all  Church  work. 

Alas !  for  us,  we  are  narrow  and  selfish,  un- 
consciously, it  may  be.  Yet  too  often  in  some 
measure  under  this  unhappy  influence  fearful  of 
encroachments  on  the  domain  of  our  clerical  pre- 
rogatives, and  apparently  inclined  to  prefer  that 
nothing  should  be  done  in  aggressive  effort,  and 
actual  conquest,  if  we  might  not  do  it  ourselves, 
or  get  ecclesiastical  credit  for  it  when  done. 

How  much  would  have  been  lost  to  religion,  to 
the  churches  of  England,  and  the  pastors  as  well, 
if  John  Wesley  had  been  as  tame  in  his  work,  and 
orderly  in  his  methods  as  the  parish  priests  of 
his  day?  But  by  his  irregularity,  his  new 
methods  of  action,  his  pursuance  of  plans  not  ar- 
ranged for  in  denominational  polity,  he  was  en- 
abled to  reach  the  outlying  masses  hitherto  un- 
provided for  with  gospel  privilege.  God  had 
given  him  a  special  talent,  and  unusual  opportuni- 
ties, which  he  wisely  employed  and  faithfully  im- 
proved. It  would  have  been  a  misfortune  to  the 
world  for  a  man  of  such  qualjty  to  have  buried 
himself  as  a  parish  priest  under  the  rubbish  of 
church  conventionalities. 

But  the  *' white  fields,"  waving   their   invita- 


OF   REV.  G.  W.  WILSON.  49 

tions  to  the  gospel  reaper,  found  Wesley  gladly 
answering  to  the  call,  and,  regardless  of  the  prac- 
tice of  men  who,  subservient  to  regulations  and 
churchly  order,  were  suffering  the  grain  to  perish 
in  the  fields,  and  of  his  own  loss  of  reputation  by 
non-conformity,  he  threw  himself  enthusiastically 
into  the  work  of  saving  souls.  He  planned  as 
God  gave  him  wisdom  to,  worked  as  God  gave 
him  strength,  and  went  forward  as  Providence 
opened  the  way  to  the  most  remarkable  success 
known  in  history  ;  multitudes  believed,  and  hun- 
dreds of  dull  and  lifeless  churches  were  aroused 
to  unwonted  activity  and  devotion. 

Wesley  conformed  suflBciently  to  retain  his 
church  relationship  and  his  ministerial  orders,  but 
never  called  a  halt  of  the  grand  hosts  he  mar- 
shaled  to   certify  his  orders  by  a  dress  parade. 

Much  of  this  independent  conformity  is  found 
in  connexion  with  the  movements  and  work  of 
that  grand  revivalist  and  missionary,  William 
Taylor.  His  converts  are  in  every  land,  and  his 
supervision  of  workers  is  world-wide. 


50  EVANGELISM,  AND   REVIVAL   WORK 


evangelism-Continued. 
chapter  vi. 

"E'en  now,  perchance,  wide  waving  o'er  the  land 
That  mighty  angel  lifts  his  golden  wand, 
Courts  the  bright  vision  of  descending  power. 
Tells  every  gate,  and  measures  every  tower, 
And  chides  the  tardy  seals  that  yet  detain 
Thy  Lion,  Judah,  from  his  destined  reign." 

'WO  classes  of  Evangelists  were  found  in 

New  Testament  times,  and  have  continued 

throughout  the  subsequent  history  of  the 

Church.      The   one  represented  by  Timothy  in 

apostolic  times,  and  his  successors  in  the  pastorate 

of  modern  times  by  such  men  as  Spurgeon,  Cuy- 

ler,  Pentecost,  J.  O.  Peck,  and  many  others  of 

this  class.     The  other  comprising  those  mentioned 

where  the  Apostle  says,  "  some  Evangelist,"  and 

represented   by  Philip  in  the  early   Church,  and 

Moody  and    Sankey,  and   Knapp,  and  Harrison, 

and  Whittle,  and  a  host  of  others  of  the  present 

time. 

Says  a  late  writer:     '*  The  recent  prominence 

which  has  been  given  to  special  Evangelism  ;  the 

large  force  of  workers,  ministerial  and  lay,  which 

it  now  marshals,  and  the   success  now  attending 

its  movements  in  the  conversion  of  sinners,  the 


OF    REV.  G.  W.  WILSON.  51 

building  up  of  believers,  and  the  quickening  of 
the  churches  into  increased  spiritual  activity,  all 
entitle  it  to  the  confidence  and  appreciation  of 
the  Church.  The  work  done  for  God  and  souls 
through  the  agency  of  special  Evangelism  in 
Great  Britain,  in  American,  indeed  throughout  the 
world  during  the  last  ten  years  has  been  marvel- 
ous and  glorious.  It  is  grand  to  see  Moody, 
Whittle,  Hammond,  William  Taylor,  and  a  legion 
like  them,  moving  forward  under  the  tremendous 
anointing  power  which  propels  them  in  their 
soul-saving  enterprises  and  endeavors.  We  are 
acquainted  with  a  dozen  or  more  accredited  and 
successful  Evangelists,  whose  calls  for  service  are 
far  in  excess  of  their  time  or  strength.  Pastors 
are  asking  to  be  directed  to  evangelistic  workers 
whose  services  are  available,  who  a  few  years 
since  held  very  unfavorable  opinions  of  specialists 
of  this  class." 

"  Methodism  hi  spirit,  is  Evangelism.  Yet  it  is 
in  an  anomalous  attitude  as  regards  such  workers, 
for  in  its  organic  structure  it  has  no  place  for 
Evangelists.  It  has  a  constitutional  place  for 
pastors,  missionaries,  editors,  chaplains,  secre- 
taries, and  agents,  ad  libitum,  in  the  role  of  its 
appointments  from  its  effective  ministers,  but  can- 
not appoint  one  of  its  ten  thousand  traveling 
ministers  to  do  the  work  of  an  Evangelist  exclu- 
sively.    What  a  reflection  upon  our  system  th;  I 


52  EVANGELISM,    AND   REVIVAL   WORK 

William  Taylor,  nourished  in  the  Church  to  be  a 
spiritual  Samson,  must  be  discarded  organically, 
and,  to  do  his  great  Evangelistic  work,  must  be 
compelled  to  ask  a  location  !"  May  we  not  expect 
that  somewhere,  sometime,  our  coming  Evange- 
lists may  find  a  door  opening  by  authority,  to 
give  them  access  as  naturally  and  as  readily  to 
their  chosen  fields,  as  any  pastor  has  to  his?  Is 
not  our  slowness  to  move  in  this  direction  a 
source  of  constant  loss  to  the  Church,  and  in  some 
sense  an  excuse  for  irresponsible  men  to  go  forth 
as  disturbers  rather  than  promoters  of  good? 
Should  not  churches  provide  for  the  seemingly 
erratic  to  operate,  under  certain  limitations  and 
restrictions?  A  born  Evangelist  cannot  be  cir- 
cumscribed to  parishes.  The  enthusiasm,  that 
glows  in  fiery  heat,  finds  its  fullness  of  sphere 
within  no  geographical  bounds,  and  the  intense 
activities  that  are  begotten  in  such  a  soul  mast 
have  widest  scope  for  employment.  With  such 
there  will  be  constant  desire  to  go  out,  go  over, 
go  beyond,  and  fill  the  world,  if  possible,  with 
ringing  notes  of  gospel  gladness.  The  awakening 
of  preachers  and  churches  has  been  a  necessity  of 
other  times,  is  of  ours,  and  may  be  of  all  times. 
The  demand  for  the  class  of  workers  represented 
by  Wesley,  and  Whitefield,  and  Summerfield  and 
Maffitt,  will  surely  continue  as  long  as  churches 
and  preachers  become  lethargic  and  dull,  and  un- 


6f   rev.  G.  W.  WILSON.  53 

saved  sinners  go  unwarned  thronging  the  dark  way 
to  death.  It  is  not  assumed  that  every  minister 
ought  to  be  an  Evangelist  in  the  broad  sense  in 
which  this  subject  has  been  viewed. 

Assuredly  God  calls  men  to  contentment  and 
success  in  pastoral  work,  and  a  given  field  of 
effort  may  have  all  the  elements  of  variety,  and 
objects  of  interest,  and  means  for  development, 
and  openings  for  usefulness  that  may  be  desired, 
or  that  one  may  be  fitted  for  by  taste,  or  natural 
endowment,  or  grace,  and  so  here  find  legitimate 
work,  and  an  appointed  sphere.  Such  as  these 
"Stand  in  their  lot"  in  every  place,  and  make 
Evangelists  possible,  and  husband  their  work 
when  done. 

**  A  skillful  workman  he 
In  God's  great  moral  vineyard;  what  to  prune 
With  cautious  hand  he  knew;  what  to  uproot, 
What  were  mere  weeds,  and  what  celestial  plants — 
Which  had  unfailing  vigor  in  them — knew. 
Nor  knew  alone ;  but  watched  them  night  and  day, 
And  reared  and  nourished  them  till  fit  to  be 
Transplanted  to  the  Paradise  above." 

Such  is  the  work  and  province  of  the  pastor ; 
and  certainly  he  who  occupies  well,  and  does  in 
his  own  department  his  allotted  part  of  Christian 
labor,  and  fills  his  sphere  in  the  galaxy  of  religious 
lights,  will  hear  the  "Well  done  !"  sounding  just 
as  sweetly,  and  find  the  "Crown  of  glory"  as 
complete  an  adornment  as  the  one  who  moved  in 


54  EVANGELISM,  AND   REVIVAL   WORlt 

wider  sphere  with  greater  opportunities  and 
responsibility.  But  looking  at  the  question  of 
adaptations,  and  of  success,  one  may  see  special 
reasons  for  the  existence  of  that  particular  class 
of  workers,  denominated  Evangelists.  The  more 
one  follows  a  given  line  of  work,  the  more  he 
usually  becomes  attached  to  it,  and  feels  at  home 
in  it,  and  almost  out  of  place  in  any  other  depart- 
ment of  effort.  And  to  be  a  Revivalist,  and  per- 
fected in  Evangelistic  work,  demands,  in  a  sense, 
an  education  and  training  for  it ;  and  if  not  just 
what  these  words  imply,  yet  a  devotion  to  it,  and 
a  study  of  it  such  as  almost  to  exclude  thought  of 
the  varied  duties  of  pastoral  life,  and  unlit  one 
for  them. 

Rev.  Mr.  Eaton  has  said  on  this  subject,  "Good 
pastors,  as  a  rule,  are  not  successful  Revivalists  ; 
Revivalists,  as  a  rule,  are  not  successful  as  pas- 
tors ;  the  Lord  has  given  the  Church  both  ;  they 
supplement  each  other." 

The  Revivalist  understands  the  work  in  his 
special  department.  So  the  pastor,  too,  that  of 
his  own.  The  Evangelist  keeps  prominent  in  his 
mind  a  religious  revival,  a  present  awakening,  a 
spiritual  quickening,  and  works  for  its  attainment 
by  sermon,  or  exhortation,  or  song,  or  prayer, 
and  makes  it  the  one  focal  point  of  all  his  efforts. 
Not  so  the  pastor ;  he  must  be  more  general, 
more  divided  in  the  contemplation  of  conditions 


OF   REV.    G.    W.  WILSON.  55 

and  wants,  and  must  suit  his  ministrations  to  a 
variety  of  subjects  and  states.  So  with  fitness 
for  one  thing,  there  is,  in  a  measure,  a  disqualifi- 
cation for  another,  and  no  man  has  the  men- 
tal or  moral  capacity,  or  gracious  ability,  to 
make  any  and  every  performance  successful  alike, 
or  attain  perfection  in  all.  Pastors  have  great 
diversity  of  gifts,  and  can  only  attain  pre-eminence 
in  that  line  for  which  they  are  specially  fitted .  So 
we  find  one  a  leader  in  moral  reforms,  another  in 
Sabbath  School  work,  a  third,  a  successful 
builder  of  churches,  and  a  fourth,  living  in  nearly 
continuous  revivals. 

*'  Now  there  are  diversities  of  gifts,  but  the 
same  spirit."  *'  And  there  are  differences  of  ad- 
ministrations, but  the  same  Lord."  "  And  God 
hath  set  in  the  Church  apostles,  prophets,  teach- 
ers, helps,  governments,  diversities  of  tongues." 
So  by  wise  provision  for  every  department,  and 
perfect  adaptation  of  agents  for  every  work,  he 
has  ordained  a  complement  of  agencies  equal  to 
all  conditions,  and  demands,  and  peoples,  and 
times. 


56  EVANGELISM,   AJSTD   REVIVAL  WORK 


PROCLIVITIES  TO  EVANGELISM. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

R.  WILSON,  Providentially  guided,  enter- 
ed the  field  of  ministerial  effort  through 
regular  forms,  and  by  proper  Church 
authority.  Methodism  opened  the  way  for  him 
to  regular  pastoral  work.  From  the  Southern 
Illinois  Annual  Conference  he  went  to  fill  appoint- 
ments for  successive  years.  Each  field  found 
him  interested  in,  working  for,  and  largely  living 
in  the  midst  of  revivals.  And  such  was  God's  bless- 
ing upon  him  in  conducting  such  meetings, that  he 
seemed  naturally  led  to  that  particular  department 
of  work.  Then  the  temperament  was  in  closest 
harmony  with  his  taste  for,  and  his  delight  in 
Revivalism,  in  contradistinction  to  the  regular 
pastoral  work.  Impulsive,  ardent,  having  many 
of  the  better  characteristics  of  his  countrymen 
delighting  in  the  excitement  and  episodes  of  re- 
vival seasons,  it  is  not  strange  that  he  should  in  a 
measure  find  himself  drifting  into  this  department 
of  ministerial  service,  and  making  it  nearly  a 
specialty.  One-ideaism,  in  many  senses  is  indica- 
tive of  weakness,  and  may  often  lead  to  unhappy 


df  REV.  (i.  W.  WlLSON  bt 

f 

results  ;  especially  may  tend,  in  religion,  to  fa- 
naticism in  its  wildest  and  most  dangerous  forms. 
But  if  it  be  the  one-ideaism  leading  and  looking 
to  the  conversion  of  souls,  then  it  may  consist 
with  the  most  thorough  soundness  of  mental  and 
moral  constitutions  of  men.  This  leads  into 
heaven-ordained  and  natural  channels  of  religious 
service,  where  even  the  one  thing  is  complete  with 
variety  and  novel  changing  phases.  Mr.  W. 
is  not  unevenly  balanced,  though  giving  all  time 
and  thought  to  departmental  work.  That  he  is 
fitted  for  Evangelism,  and  not  for  all  forms  of 
pastoral  work,  ought  not  to  be  considered  so 
much  a  fault,  as  a  gift. 

Speaking  to  the  writer  of  his  work  on  various 
charges  of  which  he  had  had  pastoral  supervision, 
he  said  :  "It  always  seemed  to  me  in  some  sense, 
when  my  revivals  were  over,  my  work  there  was 
done." 

The  last  year  of  his  regular  appointment  by 
Conference  was  to  the  Litchfield  Circuit,  and  on 
this  begun  that  chain  of  revivals  commencing  at 
Woodboro,  including  Clyde,  Gillespie,  Corrington 
Chapel,  Bunker  Hill,  and  ending  just  before  Con- 
ference with  luka.  In  these  meetings  there  were 
over  400  conversions,  large  ingatherings  in  various 
churches,  and  a  great  quickening  of  God's  people 
in  all  these  communities. 

It  had  now  become  apparent  that  Providence 


58  EVANGELISM,    AND   REVIVAL   WORK 

# 

was  leading  into  the  large  field  of  Evangelistic 
work,  and  that  if  the  voice  of  the  Master  was  not 
heeded  as  it  came  ringing  in  his  ears,  through  re- 
quests of  pastors,  invitations  of  Church  Boards, 
and  advice  of  ministerial  friends,  then  the  result 
would  be  the  measurable  withdrawal  of  that  gift 
of  revival  endowment,  and  of  great  loss  to  the 
Church  of  the  continuous  effort  of  one  so  success- 
ful in  this  department  of  labor. 

So  at  the  Conference  at  Belleville  in  the  fall  of 
1883,  after  due  deliberation,  he  asked  for  the 
appointment  of  Conference  Evangelist,  but  failing 
of  this — the  Bishop  deciding  he  had  no  authority 
for  making  such  an  appointment — he  request- 
ed a  supernumerary  relation,  with  the  avowed  ob- 
ject of  doing  Evangelistic  work.  To  this,  as 
sketches  of  revivals  in  succeeding  pages  will 
show,  he  has  given  himself  in  continuous  effort, 
with  more  than  his  former  success.  His  choice 
seems  wisely  taken.  ^  Fields  have  opened  for  use- 
fulness, and  many  pastors  and  churches  have 
anxiously  sought  his  assistance.  His  career  in 
Evangelistic  work  has  opened  fairly,  and  gives 
much  of  promise  for  time  to  come.  Surely  with 
humble  trust,  single  aim,  and  steady  going  in  the 
paths  that  seem  ordained,  much  may  be  hoped 
for  from  future  efforts  if  his  life  is  spared. 

No  class  of  workers  are  more  exposed  to  temp- 
tations, to  pride,  and  feelings  of  self-importance 


OF  tlEV.  G.  W.  WILSON.  69 

than  these,  who  influence  such  numbers  to  begin 
a  religious  life,  and  from  whom  they  so  often 
hear  expressions  of  gratefulness,  if  not  of  flattery, 
and  deceit.  Still  grace  has  kept,  and  may  keep 
them  safely  amid  strong  temptations. 

"  As  silvery  clouds  at  eventide 

Float  on  the  balmy  gale, 
Nor  seem  to  heed  the  stars  they  hide 

Behind  their  fleecy  vail, 
So  lowly  sense,  of  highest  worth, 

Fresh  graces  o'er  him  threw; 
For  he,  unconscious,  lived  on  earth, 

Of  all  the  praise  he  drew." 


^0  EVANGELISM,  AND    ilEVlVAL   WORit 


INCIDENTS     OF     WOODBORO 
REVIVAL. 


By  Contributor. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 
'TllS  meeting  was  held  in  the  bounds  of  the 
j^g^  Litchfield  Circuit,  November  and  December, 
1882.  There  were  seventy-three  profes- 
sions of  religion.  Some  of  these  conversions 
were  wonderfully  clear,  and  seemed  to  be  accom- 
panied with  unusual  power ;  then  others  had  a 
very  different  phase,  and  were  expressed  in  what 
seemed  a  sweet  calm  trust  in  Jesus,  or  a  joyful- 
ness  giving  a  radiance  to  the  face,  while  others 
again  rejoiced  amid  their  falling  tears.  Some  of 
those  more  than  ordinarily  bold  in  sin  were 
•reached  first,  and  are  to-day  courageously  follow- 
ing Christ.  One  of  these,  the  first  who  professed 
religion,  was  a  young  man,  18  years  of  age,  of 
dark  complexion,  straight  in  form  as  if  of  Indian 
mould,  had  been  a  leader  of  the  neighborhood  in 
sin,  and  so  was  a  character  of  the  community 
somewhat  marked.  He  had  been  accustomed  to 
preach  and  pray  for  the  boys  when  they  had 
mimic  camp-meetings  in  the  woods.    He  was  very 


OF   REV.    G.    W.  WILSON.  61 

profane,  unusually  wicked,  and  had  given  his 
parents  great  pain,  and  caused  them  many  hours 
of  anxiety.  A  very  Goliath  in  sin,  although  his 
name  was  David.  He  came  to  the  10  :  30  a.m 
service,  which  was  a  plain  indication  of  awakened 
interest.  The  writer  asked  him  if  he  came  to 
seek  religion,  and  with  great  deliberateness  he 
answered,  "  Yes,  Sir." 

The  theme  for  Bible  reading  was,  '*  God's 
love."  Bro.  Wilson,  seeing  his  apparent  inter- 
est, addressed  a  question  or  two  to  him  personally. 
Asked  him  "  If  Jesus  died  for  him?"  "Yes," 
was  the  ready  response  ;  then ,  ' '  Will  you  accept 
Him  as  your  Saviour?"  and  again  came  the  firm, 
short  reply,  "Yes,  Sir."  With  this  the  work 
was  done,  and  he  afterwards  declared  that  he  be- 
lieved before  he  knew  it.  His  fearless  devotion 
since  to  the  cause  of  Christ  has  proven  that  his 
conversion  was  genuine,  that  it  was  not  a  mere 
assent  to  the  questions  propounded,  but  a  surren- 
der of  his  heart  to  God,  and  an  acceptance  of 
Jesus  as  his  personal  Saviour. 

A  brother  of  the  above  found  not  so  easy  a 
task  before  him  in  his  efforts  to  obtain  forgive- 
ness. He  was  what  we  term  a  "moral  man." 
He  wanted  to  be  a  Christian,  but  had  no  feeling 
on  the  subject.  He  was  finally  prevailed  on  to 
go  forward  to  the  altar  and  seek  for  feeling, 
manifest  a  desire  to  do  his  duty  with  the  assur- 


62  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

ance  that  God  would  fully  perform  his  promise. 
Very  soon  after  kneeling,  his  experience  in  this 
respect  changed,  and  the  emotional  pre- 
vailed, his  heart  was  full,  his  eyes 
suffused  with  tears,  and  he  was  crying  out 
in  prayer.  Urged  to  lay  his  burden  on  the 
Saviour,  who  invites  the  heavy  laden  to  Him,  he 
was  at  length  enabled  to  do  so,  found  acceptance 
and  relief,  and  testified  that  Jesus  had  delivered 
him,  and  that  the  clouds  had  disappeared.  His 
sister  came,  and  having  in  mind  his  saying  he  had 
no  "  feeling  on  the  subject,"  asked  him,  "  How 
do  you  feel  ?' '  With  this  there  came  the  power 
of  temptation,  the  vanishment,  of  peace,  and  the 
reign  again  of  unbelief.  He  had  another  struggle 
then,  of  all  night  at  home,  and  all  the  next  day 
before  he  found  relief  and  blessing. 

One  young  lady  was  very  angry  because  her 
sister  had  gone  to  the  mourners'  bench,  and  in 
the  most  profane  and  unlady-like  manner  declared 

she  would  rather  go  to    H ;    but  God  used 

this  as  a  means  of  her  awakening,  for  when  she 
came  to  seriously  look  at  the  wickedness  of  a  heart 
that  could  go  to  such  lengths  in  sin,  she  became 
alarmed,  and  at  the  next  opportunity  she  went 
forward  to  the  altar  of  prayer,  and  was  gracious- 
ly accepted  of  Him  who  receiveth  sinners, and  was 
forgiven. 

Although   so   many  were  choosing  the  better 


OF    REV.  G.    W.    WILSON.  63 

part,  and  turning  their  faces  heavenward,  there 
were  found  others  who  were  rejecting  gracious 
offers,  opposing  the  spirit's  influence,  and  some 
proceeding  so  far  in  sin  as  to  indulge  in  deliberate 
scoffing. 

One  person  especially  was  unblushing  in  his 
attacks,  and  would  sneer  and  scoff  at  those  who 
approached  him  on  the  subject  of  religion. 
Finally  he  became  so  much  offended  as  to  discon- 
tinue his  attendance  at  the  meetings  altogether 
Five  months  after  the  meetings  closed  he  was 
killed  in  a  destructive  cyclone  passing  through 
that  locality,  and  thus  in  a  moment  hurried  into 
the  eternal  world. 

An  old  class  leader  who  had  for  years  been 
living  in  a  cold,  backslidden  state,  and  had  not 
been  to  church  for  years,  was  reached  and  brought 
back  to  God  through  the  conversiop  of  his  young- 
est daughter.  One  evening  he  had  not  retired  to 
rest  when  the  family  came  home  from  church,  and 
asking  about  the  meeting,  the  little  girl  said,  "O 
Pa,  it  is  such  a  good  meeting,  and  God  has 
blessed  me,  too."  The  next  service  found  him 
there,  confessing  his  neglect,  and  seeking  his  lost 
joy,  which  God  restored,  completing  the  happy 
experience  of  the  whole  family;  so,  too,  verify- 
ing the  words  of  inspiration,  "  A  little  child  shall 
lead  them." 

W.  B was  a  young  man  whose  besetting 


64  EVANGELISM,  AND   REVIVAL   WORK 

sins  were  dancing  and  drinking.  He  had  been 
dangerously  sick  the  preceding  winter,  but  had 
vowed  if  God  would  raise  him  from  his  sick  bed 
he  would  give  him  his  heart  and  sei-ve  him  the 
remainder  of  his  life.  God  did  restore  him,  and 
he  attended  the  meeting.  He  received  an  invita 
tion  to  seek  the  Saviour,  and  also  an  invitation  to 
attend  a  ball  the  following  evening.  The  even- 
ing came  and  he  started  to  go  to  where  the  dance 
was  to  come  off ;  yet  a  voice  seemed  to  say  to 
him,  "Pay  thy  vows  to  the  Most  High,"  so  he 
concluded  under  this  impression  it  would  be  un- 
safe to  attend  the  ball,  and  changed  his  course 
and  went  to  the  house  of  God. 

A  young  man  who  had  formerly  been  an  infi- 
del, but  was  converted  at  Hillsboro.  during  a 
meeting  held  by  Rev.  Hennings  of  the  M.  E, 
Church,  was  there,  and  during  the  evening  testi- 
fied to  God's  power  to  save,  of  his  own  deliver- 
ance and  happiness.  This  greatly  affected  young 
B ,  and  when  the  offer  was  made,  he  immedi- 
ately accepted  the  invitation,  and  came  forward 
for  prayer.  He  was  soon  converted  and  happy, 
and  said,  "  I  was  invited  to  go  to  the  dance,  and  to 
*  come  without  fail,'  but  I  failed  to  come." 

Thus  God  can  so  easily  change  our  plans,  and 
give  us  better  ones,  and  change  our  hearts  from 
sin  to  grace,  if  we  will !  A  young  man  started 
from  home  with  no  intention  of  seeking  religion 


OF   REV.  G.  W.  WILSON.  65 

there,  but  just  the  opposite  ;  yet,  in  yielding  to 
gracious  influences,  he  was  suddenly  delivered 
from  the  thraldom  of  sin.  So  often  ♦'  God  brings 
the  blind  by  a  way  they  knew  not,  and  leads 
them  in  paths  they  have  not  known." 

J.  B — ' —  was  the  son  of  an  earnest  Christian 
man,  a  member  of  our  church.  The  fathei  had 
long  prayed  for  the  conversion  of  this  son  who 
was  thought  to  be  in  consumption.  God  had 
*' bottled  up  those  tears,"  and  these  "prayers 
had  come  up  before  Him,"  and  now  was  the  sea 
son  for  the  coming  of  the  answer.  This  son  now 
became  interested,  and  began  earnestly  to  seek 
for  pardon,  pleading  plaintively  for  mercy. 
Many  times  he  seemed  near  to  the  kingdom ,  then 
the  tempter  intruded,  and  he  feared  to  give  him- 
self in  perfect  trust  to  God.  At  one  of  our  morn- 
ing meetings  he  had  been  praying  for  an  hour, but 
found  no  comfort,  yet  still  refused  to  leave  unless 
God  blessed  him.  The  father  was  seated  near  by, 
waiting  anxiously  to  see  his  prayers  fully  answer- 
ed in  his  boy's  conversion.  Brother  Wilson,  after 
other  exercises,  then  sang : — 

*'  'Twas  dark,  and  I  with  inward  fear 
Stood,  like  a  culprit,  weeping  near 

The  house  in  which  my  Saviour  dwelt ; 
Such  pangs  my  soul  had  never  felt. 

A  voice  addressed  me  from  within. 
Lift  up  the  latch  and  enter  in." 

As  he  finished,  James  was  weeping  just  outside 

5 


66 


EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL  WORK 


the  gate  of  mercy,  and  the  pastor  addressed  him : 
"  James,  you  are  just  outside  there  in  the  dark  ; 
come  in  where  it  is  light,  God  welcomes  you." 
Then,  like  the  sinking  disciple,  he  uttered  the  cry, 
"Lord,  save,  I  perish!"  and  was  saved;  and, 
while  the  Infinite  Father  welcomed  him  to  his 
bosom,  the  earthly  father  clasped  him  in  his  arms. 
The  young  man  is  now  a  steward  in  the  church. 
The  enemy,  always  ready  to  prophesy  evil,  said 
"  they  will  all  backslide  ;"  but  the  falsity  of  the 
prediction  has  been  proven  by  the  consistency  and 
steadfastness  of  many  of  those  who  started 
heavenward  during  this  revival. 


OF   REV.    G.    W.  WILSON.  67 


PREPARATORY  WORK,  OR  PASTORAL 
EFFORT. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

"  O  be  not  faithless!  with  the  morn 
Scatter  abroad  thy  grain ; 
At  noon-tide  faint  not  thou  forlorn, 
At  evening  sow  again. 
Blessed  are  they,  whate'er  betide, 
Who  thus  all  waters  sow  beside. 

Barton. 

\EVIVALS  are  fruits  reaped  from  sowings 
of  gospel  seed  "beside  all  waters;"  or  as 
the  Saviour  puts  it,  on  the  "wayside,  the 
atony  ground,  the  thorny  ground,  and  the  good 
ground,"  by  his  ministering  servants  from  time  to 
time.  This  is  the  method  rather  than  by  a  divine 
affusion, standing  alone  and  apart  from  any  human 
instrumentality,  or  any  teaching  of  the  Word  of 
God,  or  preaching  of  the  gospel  of  His  grace. 
And  it  is  not,  and  has  not  been,  a  law  of  spiritual 
action,  that  immediate  and  visible  effects  should 
follow  the  preaching  of  the  gospel.  How  far 
this  may  be  the  fault  of  the  agent  remains  an  un- 
determined question. 

As  in  the  natural,  so  we  find  often  in  the  spiritual, 
the  seasons  stand  far  apart  of  the  sowing  and  the 


68  EVANGELISM,    AND   REVIVAL   WORK 

reaping.  The  process  of  development  reaches 
through  a  series  of  widely  varying  conditions, 
and  continues  in  a  course  of  imperceptible,  yet 
positive  activity  to  its  completion. 

"  Cold,  heat,  and  moist  and  dry, 
Shall  foster  and  mature  the  grain 
For  garners  in  the  sky." 

It  is  not  assumed  that  a  positive  and  present 
effect  is  not  attained  in  the  ministration  of  God's 
Word,  but  the  ultimate  end  (saving  in  exception- 
al cases ) ,  is  reached  only  in  a  period  beyond ,  and 
possibly  after  the  lapse  of  years  and  decades. 

Then— 

"  SoTT  on  in  faith! 
Sow  the  good  seed !     Another  after  thee 
Shall  reap.     Hast  thou  not  garnered  many  fruits 
Of  others'  sowing,  whom  thou  knowest  not? 
Can'st  tell  how  many  struggles,  sufferings,  tears, 
All  unrecorded,  unnumbered  all. 
Hath  gone  to  build  up  what  thou  ha.stof  good?" 

Yet  doubtless  a  very  distinct  object  is  before 
the  mind  of  the  earnest  and  animated  preacher, 
the  pious,  devoted  member,  the  true  spiritual 
guide,  and  the  sermon  of  the  preacher,  the  prayer 
of  the  member,  and  the  lesson  of  the  teacher, 
have  kept  in  view  the  grand  end  to  be  attained 
by  religious  effort,  and  each  one  by  faith  has  an- 
ticipated the  accomplishment  of  their  purpose, 
near  by,  or  remote  from  them,  in  partial  or  in 
fullest  measure. 


OF    REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  69 

The  faithless  do  not  sow. 

Where  men  use  the  appliances  of  religion,  em- 
ploy its  agencies,  and  devote  their  energies  to 
further  the  end  they  have  in  view,  with  a  hope 
graduated  to  the  measure  of  their  work,  the  po- 
tency of  the  means,  or  the  singleness  of  their 
purpose,  they  go  forward  toward  the  ultimate 
goal.  Since  the  days  of  Christ  and  his  apostles 
such  religious  work  has  proceeded.  From  then 
till  now,  the  object  has  been  well-delined,  and 
has  been  one.  To  teach  the  truth,  and  preach 
the  gospel,  has  been  avowedly  to  save  the  souls 
of  men.  To  educate,  and  elevate,  and  humanize, 
apart  from  something  else  more  ennobling  and 
grand,  might  seem  enough  to  evoke  the  mightiest 
energies  of  a  human  being  ;  but  these  flow  forth 
as  resultants  of  the  process  of  soul-saving  to 
which  God's  ministers  are  called.  So  in  view  of 
saving  men  by  Jesus  Christ  and  bringing  the 
peoples  of  the  world  into  inward  and  outward 
harmony  with  the  teachings  of  the  gospel,  pas- 
toral and  ministerial  work  has  progressed  from 
age  to  age.  The  gospel's  full  and  completest 
triumph,  its  final  success  and  accomplished  end 
was  in  a  measure  adumbrated  in  the  wonderful 
affusion  and  its  miraculous  effects  following  the 
preaching  of  Peter  on  the  day  of  Pentecost.  To 
this  end  is  the  gospel  preached  by  every  real 
minister  of  Jesus  Christ.     For  this  the  workers 


70  EVANGELISM,    AND   REVIVAL    WORK 

of  every  age  since  apostolic  times  have  been  en- 
gaged, and  if  no  generation  has  seen  its  complete 
fulfillment,  the  fact  remains,  this  and  all  preced- 
ing ones  have  sought  for  its  attainment.  Each 
minister  of  Christ  has  gone  forward  in  his 
appointed  sphere,  recognizing  that  the  law  of  the 
religious  realm  still  holds  good, — "  Onemansow- 
eth  and  another  reapeth."  So  no  time  is  barren 
of  workers,  no  period  destitute  of  fruits.  There 
are  special  seasons  of  ingathering,  but  hard  years 
of  seemingly  unrequited  labor  preceded  them,  and 
thus  with  the  divinely  planned  arrangement  of 
'compensations  the  work  continues.  Doubtless  our 
special  employment  and  varying  exercises  in  re- 
ligious life  are  well  apportioned  and  profitable  to 
both  the  laborer  and  those  whose  good  he  seeks. 
We  need  not  give  ourselves  to  sad  repinings  if 
our  ideal  of  success  as  pastors  and  preachers  is 
Liever  reached.  Jesus  did  years  of  sowing,  while 
others  reap  the  harvest. 

"   'Tis  much  only  to  sow  good, 

'Tis  much  to  sow  that  which  another  reapeth." 

A  great  host  has  gone  before  us,  so  the  way  is 
plainer.  A  vast  multitude  has  toiled  in  the  fields 
and  garnered  not,  or  garnered  little,  where  now 
the  "fields  are  white,"  and  the  "harvest  is 
shouted  home."  Some  time  before  the  shower 
the  clouds  had  been  gathering  for  the  rainfall. 
Many  an  one  had  given  a  lusty  stroke  upon  the 


OF  iifiv.  G.  \v.  wlLsoir.  11 

flinty  rock  before  the  final  shock  that  rent  it  into 
splinters.  A  word,  it  might  be  now,  but  it  had 
been  lines,  and  chapters,  in  the  years  before. 
Wesley  did  not  enlist  his  mighty  army  among  the 
savage  tribes,  or  Whitefield  win  the  multitudes  to 
Christ  from  among  the  uninstructed,  nor  Finney 
and  Maffit  from  'neath  the  feet  of  silent  pulpits, 
nor  Moody  and  Sankey  from  where  no  gospel 
church  was  ever  planted  and  the  preached  word 
was  never  heard.  Yet  it  is  not  claimed  that  ex- 
ceptions do  not  break  the  chain  of  law.  Some 
cases,  to  the  glory  of  God's  grace,  do  come  to 
declare  the  untrammeled  sovereignty  of  Heaven. 
Such  was  the  conversion  of  the  Jailer,  and  the 
ingathering  on  the  day  of  Pentecost.  Prophetic 
vision  saw  these  erratic  lines  of  action,  and  por- 
trayed them  with  inspired  touch,  saying,  "  Shall 
a  nation  be  born  at  once?"  and,  "  before  they 
call  I  will  answer,  and  while  they  are  yet  speaking 
I  will  hear."  Some  men's  lifetime  may  suffice  to 
sow  the  seed  and  gather  in  the  harvest,  to  preach 
the  gospel,  and  see  its  ripened  fruit,  and  in  a 
"cutting  short  of  righteousness"  to  behold  this 
marvel  of  evangelistic  power. 

Such  a  life  was  that  of  Titus  Coan  among  the 
Sandwich  Islanders  ;  John  Williams,  the  Apostle 
of  Polynesia ;  John  Hunt,  the  first  missionary 
among  the  Fejees ;  and  Robert  Moffat,  the 
Father   of   South   African  Missions.     But  very 


72  EVANGELISM,   AND  fefeVlVAL  WORK 

unusual  exercises  of  God's  prerogative  do  not 
change  the  general  order  of  his  administration, 
and  so  evangelical  work  goes  on  in  ordinary,  in 
well-defined,  and  easily  distinguishable  lines. 
Then  let  the  plodding  pastor,  the  pious  teacher, 
and  the  silent  worl^er  in  the  great  fields  that  God 
opens  up  for  Christian  work,  in  seasons  of  seem- 
ing barrenness  slacken  not  his  pace,  or  hold  his 
hand,  nor  go  with  boding  melancholly  to  his  task. 
"  Both  he  that  soweth,  and  he  that  reapeth,  shall 
at  length  rejoice  together,"  and  share,  doubtless, 
in  an  equality  of  reward. 

'*  There  be  those  who  sovr  beside 

The  waters  that  in  silence  glide, 
Thinking  no  echo  would  declare 

Whose  footsteps  ever  wandered  there. 
Yet  think  not  that  the  seed  is  dead 

Which  in  the  lonely  place  is  spread: 
It  lives !  it  lives !  the  spring  is  nigh, 

And  soon  its  life  will  testify." 

The  work  of  regular  ministrations,  the  effort 
of  ordinary  occasions,  the  duties  of  the  pastoral 
office  in  its  routine  form  are  among  the  most 
exacting,  often  the  least  inspiring  of  any  in  the 
whole  range  of  religious  and  philanthropic  effort, 
and  at  times  onerous  and  discouraging  to  the  last 
degree.  It  has  been  a  valiant  band,  a  noble 
array,  a  grand  division  of  God's  militant  host, 
that  has  proclaimed  in  dullest  ears,  and  to  deadest 
souls,  the  truth  divine,  and  with  trumpet  call  has 


OF  HeV.    G.   W.    WiLSOJi.  73 

never  ceased  to  voice  God's  message  to  well,  or 
poorly  filled  sanctuaries  in  Christian  lands,  upon 
the  Sabbath  day. 

How  pastors  educate  !  How  from  the  pulpits 
go  forth  a  ceaseless  tide  of  religious  influence 
running  on  with  cumulative  force,  reaching  the 
maximum  of  height,  or  stage  of  overflow,  when 
the  Evangelist  and  sister  churches  all  combine  for 
a  sweeping  and  glorious  work  of  grace  in  seasons 
of  revival !  Yet  it  is  dull  to  plod  away  in  routine 
service,  if  one  has  no  faith  in  the  power  of  the 
preached  word,  no  sense  of  a  Divine  call  to  the 
holy  office,  and  gathers  no  inspiration  from  the 
grandeur  of  his  work  and  the  potency  of  the 
Gospel.  Let  the  pastor  hope  for  visible  results, 
yet  labor  untiringly  without  regard  to  present  re 
ward.  Let  the  ministry  of  the  Word  be  the  re- 
flex of  a  warm,  renewed,  and  loving  heart,  and 
God's  servants  will  find  both  hopefulness  in  wait- 
ing, if  Providence  so  appoints,  and  happiness  in 
doing  what  a  gracious  dispensation  may  enjoin. 
It  is  not  at  a  single  bound  the  goal  is  reached,  not 
by  a  stroke  the  book  is  penned,  or  by  a  note  the 
song  is  sung ;  nor  is  the  service  of  the  sanctuary 
complete  in  any  single  form  of  duty, — ^but  ser- 
mon, and  song,  and  prayer,  each  supply  their 
part,  each  going  to  fill  a  place  in  the  larger  per- 
fected whole  of  religious  worship. 

In  ministerial  effort,  in  pulpit  ministration,  to 


74  EVANGELISM,   AND   REVIVAL   WORK 

fill  thfe  measure  of  God's  demand  in  Gospel  influ- 
ence, there  must  be  conformity  to  ordained 
methods  and  established  usage :  so  "  precept 
must  be  upon  precept,  line  upon  line  ;  here  a  little 
and  there  a  little  ;"  and  the  "  teaching  them  all 
things  that  I  command  thee,"  must  be  as  well  as 
the  "  lifting  the  voice  like  a  trumpet,"  and  ''cry- 
ing aloud  and  sparing  not." 

Of  all  the  accessories  to  the  Word  of  God,  and 
the  influence  of  the  Divine  Spirit,  none  are  so  im- 
portant, and  so  much  in  God's  order  in  saving 
instrumentally  as  the  Preacher  of  the  Gospel. 
He  is  the  most  perfect  attainable  medium  of  ac- 
cess to  the  minds  and  hearts  of  unregenerate  men. 
And  his  office  is  to  continue,  his  work  to  be  regu- 
lar, uniform,  and  abiding  to  the  end  of  time. 

"I  say  the  Pulpit  (in  the  sober  use 

Of  its  legitimate,  peculiar  power,) 

Must  stand  acknowledged  while  the  world  shall  stand, — 

The  most  important  and  effectual  guard. 

Support,  and  ornament,  of  Virtue's  cause," 

And  yet  a  line  does  not  give  the  import  of  the 

pastor's  work ;  nay,  a  volume  could  not  suffice  to 

give  the  many-sided  views  of  a  subject  so  fraught 

with  interest  and  deep  concerns.     We  may  well 

exclaim ; — 

"But  who  can  e'er  suffice 
What  mortal  for  this  more  than  angels'  task, 
Winning  or  losing  souls,  thy  life  blood's  price; 
The  gift  were  too  Divine  to  ask, 


OF  REV.    G.    W.   WILSON.  75 

Dread  Searcher  of  the  hearts! 
Thou  who  didst  seal  by  thy  descending  Dove 
Thy  Servant's  choice,  O  help  us  in  our  parts, 
Else  helpless  found,  to  learn  and  teach  thy  love." 

Too  few  realize  in  its  highest  sense  the  honor, 
the  importance,  responsibility,  and  the  resultant 
glory  of  faithful  efforts  in  stated  preaching,  and 
the  varied  services  of  pastoral  life.  Unquestion- 
ably the  foundation  is  laid  here  for  all  success  in 
revival  work.  The  multiplied  rays  of  religious 
truth  that  go  forth  this  way,  from  week  to  week, 
and  year  to  year,  focalize  at  length  upon  a  given 
point,  and  in  revival  seasons  fill  the  sanctuaries  of 
the  land  with  life-giving  power,  and  an  unwonted 
degree  of  spiritual  light  and  heat.  But  as  pastors 
may  we  not  come  to  catch  an  inspiration  that  may 
be  an  indwelling  presence  in  the  human  heart, 
giving  forth  a  vital  force  to  every  sermon 
preached,  freighting  every  prayer  and  exhorta- 
tion, and  energizing  every  presentation  of  the 
Word  of  God !  Why  may  we  not  expect  and 
claim  a  spirit-accompanying  force  in  ordinary 
preaching?  What  assurances  the  Bible  gives  us, 
declaring  the  *'Word"  to  be  as  a  "two-edged 
sword,"  "like  as  a  fire,"  and  a  "hammer  that 
breaketh  the  rock  in  pieces,"  that  maketh  the 
"bones  to  shake,"  and  "come  together,'*  and 
that  even  as  one  "  prophesieth,"  to  his  wonder, 
the   dead  disjointed  fragments  of  humanity  »ot 


76  EVANGELISM,  AN1>   UEYTVAL  WORIt 

only  assume  the  living  form,  but  '*  breath  comes 
into  them,  and  they  live,  and  stand  up  upon  their 
feet  an  exceeding  great  army,"  the  trophies  of 
the  preached  Word. 

"O  ye  of  little  faith,"  may  be  truly  said  of 
many  of  God's  ministers,  whose  very  manner, 
and  whole  expression,  betray  their  distrust  of 
God,  and  the  Spirit-accompanying  power  of  His 
Word.  Doubt  of  success  in  preaching  the  Gospel, 
that  ought  to  be  "  in  demonstration  of  the  Spirit 
and  of  j)ower,"  often  paralyses  our  every  effort. 

Still,  whether  we  reach  the  grandest  present 
effects  through  the  Evangelical  preaching,  or  not, 
the  fact  remains  that  regular  pulpit  ministration 
is  God's  appointed  method,  and  his  chosen  ser- 
vants, more  or  less,  fulfill  his  purpose,  standing 
as  the  "candle  sticks  within  the  churches." 
And  without  the  pastors  preaching,  and  teaching, 
and  his  organization  of  religious  forces.  Evangel- 
ists, if  any,  would  go  forth  to  narrow  fields,  em- 
barrassing labor,  and  partial  success.  His  very 
calling  is  a  resultant  of  regular  preaching  and 
pastoral  effort.  And  his  enlarged  sphere  of  na- 
tional or  international  import,  and  his  success  in 
gathering  thousands  and  tens  of  thousands  into 
Christian  communions  is  made  possible  by  the 
pastor's  plodding  worK.  Before  Evangelists  en- 
ter them,  the  "  fields  are  white  to  the  harvest," 
and  his  coming  is  often  but  the  signal  for  "shout- 


OF   REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  77 

ing  the  harvest  home."  His  is  the  rallying  cry 
for  the  ordering  of  all  the  forces,  and  the  proper 
disposition  of  every  agent  at  command.  His 
coming  is  the  signal  for  united  and  victorious 
effort.  So  we  have, — Varied  agents  but  a  har- 
monious system  ;  a  complex  but  an  efficient  plan. 
**  A  wheel  within  a  wheel"  bears  the  spirit  force 
along.  There  are  many  workers,  but  one  work. 
There  are  ''diversities  of  gifts,  but  one  Spirit, 
— differences  of  administrations,  but  one  Lord." 
So  all  of  every  order,  every  office,  and  every 
class,  join  in  gospel  work,  and  in  millennial  times, 
and  heavenly  places,  will  sing  as  one  the  victor's 
song  of  triumph, 

"Where  the  morn  shall  wake  in  gladness, 

And  the  noon  the  joy  prolong; 

Where  the  daylight  dies  in  fragrance 

'Mid  the  burst  of  holy  song; 

Brothers,  we  shall  meet  and  rest 

'Mid  the  holy  and  the  blest." 


78  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL  WORK 


REVIVALS  AT  GILLESPIE  AND    COR- 
RINGTON    CHAPEL. 


GILLESPIE. 
CHAPTER  X. 

"  Bethesda's  pool  has  lost  its  powerl 

No  angel  by  his  glad  descent 
Dispenses  that  diviner  dower 

Which  with  its  healing  waters  went; 

But  He  whose  word  surpassed  its  wave 

Is  still  omnipotent  to  save." 

Barton 

T  the  invitation  of  the  writer,  Mr.  Wilson 
came  to  Gillespie,  and  we  commenced  a 
series    of    meetings   on   the    evening    of 
March  26,  1883. 

Gillespie  population  is  of  peculiar  composition. 
Many  of  its  people,  possibly  one-half,  are  coal 
miners.  They  are  proverbially  migratory  in 
character,  and  on  this  account,  and  not  being  or- 
dinarily church  goers,  they  largely  remain  stran- 
gers to  church  people,  and  usually  are  but  little 
known  by  pastors  of  the  churches.  With  the  in- 
flux of  this  class,  mostly  foreigners,  which  begun 
about  two  years  previous  to  the  time  of  our 
meeting,  came  a  large  reinforcement  to  prevailing 
vices  that  were  alarmingly  destructive  before  they 
came.  Religion,  in  its  broad  sense,  dominating 
in  the   home,  controlling  in  the   action  of  town 


OF   REV.    C.    W.    WILSON.  79 

boards,  and  giving  all  business  the  coloring  of 
its  morals,  and  the  savor  of  its  sanctity,  had  al- 
ways been  sadly  wanting,  and  now  seemed  nearly 
powerless  in  the  face  of  reinforced  opposition* 
The  business  of  saloonists  took  on  large  propor" 
tions,  and  the  utmost  possibilities  for  evil  in  this 
direction,  seemed  for  a  time  to  be  realized.  The 
demoralizing  influence  of  intemperance  and  kind- 
red vices  had  made  great  progress,  and  threatened 
the  whole  moral  fabric  of  society.  So  true  is  it 
that  "Evil  communications  corrupt  good  man- 
ners ;"  and  as  Pope  poetizes  it : 

"  Vice  is  a  monster  of  so  frightful  mien. 
As  to  be  hated,  needs  but  to  be  seen; 
Yet  seen  too  oft,  familiar  with  her  face, 
We  first  endure,  then  pity,  then  embrace." 

Yet  the  faithful,  earnest  preaching  for  years,  of 
various  pastors,  and  the  devoted  and  continuous 
efforts  for  the  security  of  the  young  through  the 
Sabbath  School,  had  in  some  sense  held  in  check 
the  evil,  and  conserved  the  good,for  both  old  and 
young.  Still  there  needed  to  be  a  fierce  combat 
with  prevailing  sins  at  the  very  outset  of  any  re- 
vival work.  And  any  religious  leader  must  feel 
besides  that  there  were  very  few  prominent, 
active  workers  to  aid  him  in  his  efforts.  The 
majority  of  church  members  were  women,  and  a 
number  of  these  aged  and  feeble.  Doubtless 
among  those  who  were  now  infirm,  and  who  could 


80  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

no  longer  stand  in  the  van  of  religious  conflicts,  a 
prayerful  longing  for  God's  work  to  prosper,  and 
for  a  saving  influence  to  come  to  their  sons  and 
daughters  and  neighbors,  had  for  years  filled  a 
large  place  in  their  hearts,  and  in  this  revival  they 
measurably  found  the  answer  of  their  prayers. 
As  is  often  the  case,  too,  we  found,  that  for  ac- 
tive efforts,  and  public  work,  we  were  largely  de- 
pendent upon  the  women  through  the  progress  of 
the  meeting.  Still  some  came  to  the  front,  and 
gave  aid  and  encouragement  to  God's  servants  in 
this  relisrio us  struggle.  Mr.  Wilson  soon  found 
that  his  chief  work  lay  in  the  direction  of  expos- 
ing vice,  tearing  the  mask  off  of  professional 
piety,  and  laying  the  axe  mercilessly  at  the  roots 
of  common  evils.  Some  were  exasperated,  wick- 
ed men  writhed  under  the  excoriations  of  the  fear- 
less Evangelist,  and  more  or  less  opposition  was 
aroused  on  the  part  of  easy-going  religionists  and 
open  opponents. 

The  spirit  of  those,  stung  by  the  plain  dealing 
of  God'  servant  may  be  best  shown  in  the  light 
of  an  incident  of  the  revival.  An  anonymous 
letter  came  to  Mr.  W.  through  the  Post  Office, 
running  on  this  wise  : 

"  Mr.  Wilson  : — You  are  respectfully  request- 
ed to  tame  your  lying  tongue,  or  if  you  cannot  do 
that,  to  leave  town  inside  of  thirty-six  hours.  If 
not,  you'll  bear  the  result." 


OF   REV.  G.  W.  WILSON.  81 

This  was  read  from  the  pulpit  to  the  congrega- 
tion, and  commented  on  freely,  and  was  help- 
ful rather  than  detrimental  to  the  success  of  the 
meeting. 

"Surely  the  wrath  of  man  shall  praise  thee; 
the  remainder  of  wrath  shalt  thou  restrain  ;"  thus 
God's  servants  found  in  this  contest  with  the 
adversaries  of  religion. 

So,  regardless  of  threats,  unheeding  of  fears, 
the  Evangelist  moved  on,and  the  work  progressed. 
The  revival  influence  was  manifest,  in  its  begin- 
ning, among  a  class  of  girls  of  some  14  years  of 
age.  These  were  the  first  making  a  profession  of 
religion,  and  during  the  following  weeks  they 
were  efficient  helpers,  singing,  visiting,  and  talk- 
ing to  their  companions,  and  laboring  with  unre- 
mitting zeal.  Mr.  W.  did  but  little  preaching. 
During  the  day  we  visited,  and  talked  with  all 
classes,  at  their  homes,  in  their  shops,  and  on  the 
streets,  and  some  of  the  expressions  or  incidents 
of  the  day  usually  furnished  the  subject  for  the 
exhortation  at  night.  There  were  conversions 
from  nearly  the  beginning  of  the  meetings  until 
the  close,  which  occurred  on  Monday  evening, 
April  16th.  Nine  was  the  highest  number  of 
conversions  any  day. 

During   the  three   weeks,    fifty-eight  persons 
gave  their  names  as  having  experienced  religion, 
or  been  reclaimed. 
6 


82  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

Of  the  value  of  the  meetmg  as  a  religious  in- 
fluence, inviting,  and  holding  the  attention  of  the 
people  in  this  direction  for  such  a  length  of  time, 
we  may  not  make  even  an  approximate  estimate. 
Of  its  importance  as  a  force  in  individual  life,  and 
in  giving  shape  to  specific  character,,  we  may  not 
know  ;  yet  of  its  opportunities  for  the  irreligious 
to  start  in  a  godly  life,  and  for  God's  people  to 
do  valiant  work  for  the  Master,  it  was  of  vast 
and  immeasurable  value. 

"  This  is  that  moment;    who  can  tell 
Whether  it  lead  to  Heaven  or  Hell? 
This  is  that  moment;  as  we  choose, 
The  immortal  soul  we  save  or  lose." 

The  Jubilee  Services  on  Sabbath,  April  15, 
beginning  with  Praise  Meeting  at 9  :  30  a.m.,  were 
largely  attended,  deeply  interesting,  and,  doubt- 
less, of  great  profit  to  many  who  were  permitted 
to  attend.  Certainly  God's  power  was  wonder- 
fully manifest,  and  memories  of  a  delightful 
season  of  revival  influence  will  linger  long  with 
many,  and  it  may  be  hoped  that  from  the  glory 
world,  at  last,  some  will  look  back  to  those  weeks 
of  special  effort  as  the  turning  point  in  their 
religious  career,  and  thank  God  for  the  saving 
grace  that  came  to  them  on  that  occasion.  May 
the  sacred  influence  of  that  revival  season  long  go 
forth  as  blessed  perfume  in  religious  life. 


OF   REV.  G.  W.  WELSON.  83 

CORRINGTON    CHAPEL. 


"  There  are  moments  of  life  that  we  never  forget, 
Which  brighten  and  brighten  as  time  steals  away; 
They  give  a  new  charm  to  the  happiest  lot, 
And  shine  on  the  gloom  of  the  loneliest  day." 

Corriiigton  Chapel  is  a  country  church  six 
miles  north  of  Bunker  Hill,  belonging  to  Gilles- 
pie Circuit.  The  chapel  is  a  new,  pleasant,  com- 
modious building,  erected  during  the  summer  and 
fall  of  1882.  A  protracted  meeting,  conducted 
by  the  writer,  aided  by  the  Rev.  James  McPher- 
ron,  of  Jacksonville,  had  been  held  about  the  1st 
of  January,  1883,  resulting  in  25  professions  of 
religion  and  17  accessions  to  the  Church.  After 
the  Gillespie  meeting  we  invited  Mr.  Wilson  to 
aid  us  in  another  effort  at  the  chapel.  He  was  to 
have  been  with  us  on  the  evening  of  April  23d, 
but  failed  to  get  the  communication  sent  him. 
We  had  a  meeting  Monday,  and  also  Tuesday 
night,  without  hearing  from  him. 

Tuesday  night,  when  the  invitation  was  given, 
six  persons  arose  for  prayer.  So  a  revival  spirit 
prevailed  from  the  very  beginning.  It  was  the 
corn-planting  season,  yet  many  came,  and  some 
twice  a  day  for  weeks. 

The  religion  here  is  of  the  steady-going,  even- 
running,  •  reliable  kind,  capable  of  some  ebulli- 
tions to  be  sure,  yet  always  flowing  in  a  forceful, 


84  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL   WORK 

vigorous  tide,  and  though  not  noisy  and  demon- 
strative, yet  active  and  efficient. 

On  Wednesday  evening,  much  to  the  satisfac- 
tion of  all,  Mr.  Wilson  came.  By  Sabbath  the 
meeting  had  gottou  well  under  way.  IVIr.  Wilson 
had  gotten  to  understand  the  people,  and  the  peo- 
ple him,  and  a  general  good  feeling  prevailed, 
while  a  number  had  by  this  time  professed  reli- 
gion. Each  of  us  had  appointments  at  distant 
churches  for  Sabbath  the  29th.  Bro.  Wilson 
drove  in  a  buggy,  by  changing  horses,  54  miles, 
and  preached  twice  during  the  day  ;  the  writer, 
about  half  that  distance,  also  preaching  twice,  and 
both  were  back  at  Corrington  for  the  service  at 
night. 

Monday  night  the  30th,  the  largest  number 
came  forward  to  the  altar  for  prayer  of  any  night 
during  the  meetinsjs.  Some  said  there  were 
19,  some  said  20  ;  at  any  rate,  every  one  of  the 
number  made  a  profession  of  religion  before  the 
service  of  the  evening  closed.  The  revival  swept 
on  in  great  power,  day  after  day,  and  persons 
came  for  ten  miles  in  various  directions  from  the 
surrounding  country  and  towns.  The  Presbyterians 
of  Plainview,  with  their  pastor,  Mr.  Patchen, 
attended  most  of  the  time  and  worked  efficiently. 

Sabbath,  May  the  6th,  was  a  memorable  day 
for  the  chapel .  It  was  the  time  of  our  Jubilee 
over  the  conversion  of  one  hundred  souls.     The 


OF   REV,  G.  W.  WILSON.  85 

Praise  Service  was  at  9  o'clock  a.m.  One  pro- 
fessed religion  during  that  hour,  and  the  revival 
influence  was  so  strong  that  it  looked  for  a  time 
as  if  it  would  be  impossible  to  proceed  with  the 
preaching  service  at  the  hour  for  which  it  was 
announced.  The  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per was  administered  to  150  or  more  deeply  inter- 
ested communicants  at  3  o'clock  p.m.  During 
this  service  the  tide  of  divine  grace  and  power 
swept  over  the  whole  assembly.  One  aged  sister, 
whose  face  beamed  with  more  than  earthly  joy, 
said,  "This  is  as  near  heaven  as  I  ever  expect  to 
get  in  this  world  ;"  while  all  felt  "it  is  good  to  be 
here."  The  people  of  Bunker  Hill  had  been 
pressing  Mr.  W.  to  come  and  conduct  revival 
services  in  that  place,  and  on  Thursday  evening. 
May  10,  while  still  much  interest  was  manifest, 
we  closed  the  protracted  effort. 

At  times  during  the  progress  of  the  meeting  it 
seemed  as  if  every  one  in  attendance  would  yield  to 
the  gracious  influence, and  very  few  coutined  to  per- 
sist in  open  opposition.  When  the  meeting  closed, 
of  the  families  of  the  neighborhood,  there  could  be 
counted  from  17  to  20  in  which  there  was  not  an 
irreligious  person  left.  The  community  was  the 
most  nearly  entirely  religious  of  any  we  ever 
knew.  There  were  grand  workers  of  both  old  and 
young  in  the  Church,  and  many  were  added  to  it 
who   give   promise    to   be   efficient   and   earnest 


86  EVANGELISM,  AND   REVIVAL   WORK 

laborers  for  years  to  come.  Young  ladies  vied 
with  each  other  in  their  efforts  to  win  the  irreli- 
gious, and  did  much  to  forward  the  work  by  their 
faithful  personal  endeavors.  Persistent,  steady 
and  consistent  service  has  always  been  the  order 
at  Corrington  Chapel,  and  those  now  maturing  in 
Christian  life  will  doubtless  retain  the  best  char- 
acteristics of  the  Church  of  the  olden  time. 

The  influences  for  good  set  in  motion  during 
this  revival  season  are  certainly  to  continue  as  a 
living  force  for  many  years  to  come. 

Let  us  each  strive  to  keep  alive  the  good,  fos- 
ter the  graces  of  religion,  and  do  some  worthy 
work  for  the  cause  of  God. 

"  By  thy  trustful  calm  endeavor, 
Guiding,  cheering  like  the  sun, 
Earth-bound  hearts  thou  shalt  deliver  • 
O!  for  their  sakes  press  thou  on!" 


OF    REV.    G.    W.  WILSON.  87 


CO-OPERATION  OF   CHURCHES. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


"  Thus  to  the  Father  prayed  the  Son, 
*  One  may  they  be  as  we  are  one, 
That  I  in  them  and  thou  in  me 
They  one  with  us  may  ever  be.' 
Children  of  God !  combine  your  bands. 
Brethren  in  Christ!  join  hearts  and  hands. 
And  px'ay  (for  so  the  Father  willed) 
That  the  Son's  prayer  be  fulfilled." 

OW  vain  the  efforts  of  discordant  churches  ! 
In  this  lies  the  secret  of  many  a  failure  in  at- 
tempted revival  work.  The  pastor  may  be  a 
skillful  leader,  a  competent  and  discerning  guide, 
and  a  faithful  and  earnest  worker,  and  yet  find 
all  the  purposes  of  his  heart,  all  the  devisings  of 
his  mind,  and  the  most  consuming  effort  of  his 
life,  rendered  wholly  or  partially  abortive  by  the 
inharmonious  action  of  churches,  and  the  lack  of 
co-operation,  either  designed  or  otherwise,  of 
those  through  whom  he  must  reach  the  outer 
world.  The  agencies  for  good  are  not  so  directly 
operative  and  efficient  as  to  touch  humanity  in 
all  its  springs  of  action,  and  produce  the  best  at 


88  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL   WORK 

tainable  results  apart  from  the  influence  of  re- 
ligious people.  The  few  may  give  faltering  ad- 
herence, or  even  hearty  and  enthusiastic  follow- 
ing, only  to  be  paralyzed  in  their  influence,  or 
defeated  of  their  ends,  in  the  positive  opposition 
or  simulated  friendship,  of  a  larger  number 
whose  very  breathings  are  blighting  to  every  bud 
of  hope  in  religious  work.  The  successful  worker 
never  stands  alone,  or  seeming  to  stand  alone, 
his  attitude  is  such  that  his  position  is  only  to  be 
defined,  and  then  at  once  he  gathers  around  him, 
and  in  closest  concert  of  action  with  him,  the  re- 
ligious forces  at  command.  It  is  true,  where 
there  are  no  churches,  where  God  has  no  people 
called  and  named  for  him,  and  religion  has  no 
representatives  in.  professed  discipleship,  then 
God's  work  may  proceed  by  other  methods. 
But  the  fact  remains  that  the  ordained  plan  is  to 
reach  the  unconverted  through  the  agency  of 
those  who  are  confessedly  religious,  and  the  influ- 
ence of  religious  life  is  one  of  the  great  factors 
in  the  enlightenment  and  reclamation  of  the  dark 
and  sinning  world. 

The  form  in  which  the  Saviour  puts  the  case  in 
showing  church  responsibility  is  clear  and  plain, 
and  in  perfect  harmony,  too,  with  prophetic  de- 
liverances touching  the  depositories  of  religious 
forcefulness  and  power. 

Isaiah  calls  the  Church  to  '*put  on  her  strength," 


OF   REV.  G.  W.  WILSON  89 

to  "arise  and  shine,"  and  continues  to  portray 
the  power  and  influence  of  her  holy  life,  by  say- 
ing,— "  The  Gentiles  shall  come  to  thy  light,  and 
kings  to  the  brightness  of  thy  rising;"  while 
Jesus  declares,  "ye  are  the  light  of  the  world,  a 
city  on  a  hill." 

"  Lord,  thy  church  is  still  thy  dwelling, 
Still  is  precious  in  thy  sight, 
Judah's  temple  far  excelling. 
Beaming  with  the  Gospel's  light." 

It  is  plain  a  sad  and  grave  defect  may  mar, 
and  measurably  obscure  the  light  of  the  Church's 
life,  when  from  any  means  or  on  any  account,  or 
from  any  cause  planned  for,  or  accidental,  the 
fount  is  not  fed  and  fostered.  Inharmony  may 
dim,  and  strife  and  unchurchly  feeling  may  ex- 
tinguish the  light  entire.  Too  often  the  full 
force  of  religious  life,  and  the  full  glow  of 
churchly  light,  are  hampered  and  circumscribed 
by  the  want  of  cordial  sympathy  between  the 
minister  and  his  people. 

There  is  scarcely  a  pastor  in  all  the  land,  of  any 
considerable  experience,  but  has  had  cause  for 
complaint,  just  ground  for  dissatisfaction,  at  the 
want  of  cordiality  on  the  part  of  those  he  serves, 
or  the  positive  withdrawal  of  moral  support,  in 
seasons  of  his  greatest  need, — at  times  when  he 
had  planned  for  enlarged  usefulness  and  greater 
success  in  religious  work. 


90  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

To  be  thwarted  in  one's  desig-ns  in  endeavorinsr 
to  attain  a  measureable  degree  of  Errowth  of 
church  life  is  an  occurrence  so  common  in  the 
duties  and  work  of  the  pastor  as  to  come  to  be 
counted  on,  in  any  reckoning  made  for  doing 
good,  as  one  of  the  likely  contingencies. 

Have  not  churches  more  or  less  often  whims  ? 
Have  not  aggregated  bodies  often  the  spirit  of 
the  members  that  compose  it  ?  May  not  a  people 
take  a  notion,  may  not  a  multitude  agree  without 
consultation  ?  May  not  a  strange  purpose  seize 
on  thoughtless,  or  more  thoughtful  persons,  mani- 
festing itself  in  a  witholding  of  moral  support 
from  the  Pastor?  Surely  the  want  of  co-opera- 
tion, the  lack  of  sympathy,  is  not  from  a  spirit 
of  diabolic  action,  not  from  a  well  formulated 
plan  for  the  Pastor's  and  the  Church's  defeat , 
yet  notwithstanding  the  lack  of  calculation,  such 
course  may  be  freighted  with  the  direst  results, 
and  encumbered  with  a  weight  of  responsibility 
sufficient  to  make  a  multitude  shudder  to  assume 
it.  Who  can  be  most  ready?  Who  will  gladly 
go  forward?  Who  will  give  the  most  cordial 
support  to  the  Pastor?  Who  will  be  most  steady 
in  co-operation?  These  and  kindred  questions 
may  readily  arise  in  the  minds  of  God's  minister- 
ing servants,  but  do  they  find  place  in  the  thought 
of  Church  people,  and  if  so,  do  they  call  forth  the 
glad  response  of,  Iwill^  and  the  hearty  Aye,  and 


OF  REV.  G.  W.  WILSON.  91 

Amen  ?  Are  there  not  wanting  in  every  Christian 
Communion  (in  times  when  the  heart-burdened, 
or  overtaxed  Pastor  finds  his  "hands  hanging 
down"  with  uncontrollable  weariness),  Aarons 
and  Hurs,  to  "  stay  up  those  hands  "  to  a  vic- 
torious hour.  There  is  often  a  disposition  to  wait, 
and  question,  and  hesitate,  and  give  only  a  partial 
support,  at  the  point  where  one  needs  hearty 
sympathy  and  earnest  co-operation.  There 
must  if  greatest  good  is  done,  in  any  gospel 
sense,  be  obliviousness  in  regard  to  many  human 
weaknesses,  and  sinless  frailties,  and  indiffer- 
ence to  such  minor  things  as  forms  and  methods, 
and  heartiness  of  accord  in  every  sense,  and 
everywhere,  and  at  every  point,  where  the  true 
spirit  is  maintained,  and  one  grand  end  is  sought. 
There  ought  to  be  that  generousness  of  soul, 
of  Christ-like  character,  which,  however  much 
the  outward  form  may  vary,  while  the  purpose 
and  object  sought  are  one,  would  place  each 
worker  in  completest  fellowship  with  every  co- 
laborer  in  the  wide  field  of  religious  effort. 

*' There  is  no  man,"  said  Jesus,  "which 
shall  do  a  miracle  in  my  name,  that  can  lightly 
speak  evil  of  me,  for  he  that  is  not  against 
us  is  on  our  part." 

'•  In  many  things  the  Church  may  disagree, 
But  all  should  have  concern  for  Charity : 
All  must  be  false  that  thwart  this  one  great  end : 
And  all  of  God  that  bless  mankind  and  mend." 


92  EVANGELISM,  AND   REVIVAL.   WORK 

'Tis  true  the  Pastor  stands  so  related  to  his 
flock  that  often  he  sees  and  knows  too  much. 
Many  minor  and  unimportant  things,  unknown  to 
strangers,  force  themselves  in  such  attitudes 
before  him,  that  they  get  attention  wholly  unde- 
served, and  often  prove  seriously  detrimental  to 
his  work.  He  may  know  often  what  he  would 
be  glad  if  it  were  possible  not  to  know,  and  what 
if  he  had  never  known  would  have  left  him  free 
and  untrammelled  in  his  action,  that  would  have 
been  more  happily  and  wisely  taken.  By  the 
prominence  of  minor  things  Pastors  may  be 
influenced  to  a  party  course,  and  arouse  factional 
opposition,  where  obliviousness  might  have  foster- 
ed harmony.  He  may  give  acquiescence  Vhere 
plans  are  shrewdly  laid,  or  opposition  where  it 
may  by  covert  course  be  sought,  in  either  case 
finding  himself  in  party  hands  for  party  use. 
The  Evangelist  steers  clear  of  such  entanglements, 
as  much  or  more,  from  non-acquaintance  as 
from  studied  effort. 

In  many  fields  God's  work  is  marred,  and 
Church  progress  hindered,  and  every  religious 
interest  doomed  to  suffer,  not  so  much  for  lack  of 
ability  of  Pastor  or  people,  as  for  lack  of  harmony 
between  them.  The  painstaking,  the  prayerful, 
the  thoughtful,  and  best  intentioned  preachers, 
have  often  found  cause  for  sorrow,  and  ground 
for  just  complaint,  at   the   lack  of  unanimity  in 


OF   REV.    G.    W.  WILSON.  93 

the  action  of  religious  people.  It  does  come  to 
pass  true  enough,  and  so  often  too,  as  almost  to 
lead  to  the  conclusion  that  the  thing  was  so  by 
ordination,  that  the  stranger  can  get  nearer 
your  religious  life  than  the  one  who  has  always 
known  you ; — and  he  who  had  no  claims  of 
friendship  or  intimate  relationship,  could  exert  a 
more  commanding  influence  than  the  one  who 
by  churchly  allotment  was  the  true  spiritual 
guide  and  counsellor.  But  then  may  we  not 
find  a  rational  solution  of  this  problem  ?  Mayhap 
you  who  know  your  brother  well,  and  are  always 
with  him,  seeing  him  every  day  and  being  as  one 
of  the  same  religious  family,  fail  to  recognize  a 
plain  religious  duty,  and  feel  no  lack  of  oppor- 
tunity ;  while  the  stranger  seeing  he  is  only  a 
passer-by,  realizes  in  its  full  import,  the  "  now  " 
and  "to-day,"  of  his  time  to  act,  and  seizes  on 
the  auspicious  moment  to  make  direct  and  per- 
sonal appeals. 

Is  a  stranger  more  interested  than  my  Pastor  ? 
This  question  is  soon  suggested,  and  many  an 
illogical  and  false  conclusion  has  been  reached, 
and  many  unjust  comparisons  instituted,  as  the 
subject  has  been  cursorily  looked  upon,  and 
hastily  decided.  Vast  as  may  be  the  bounds 
of  evangelistic  concern,  it  is  not  in  the  very 
nature  of  things  so  individually  intense, 
so  wholly  personal,  as  are  the  love   and   interest 


94  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL   WORK 

of  the  Pastor.  But  the  multiform  phases  of  duty 
devolving  upon  the  latter,  crowding  the  mind  for 
recognition  and  notice,  may  possibly  compel 
neglects  in  specific  lines  of  work.  Too  many 
claims,  too  large  demands,  too  exacting  require- 
ments, are  often  made  ;  and  so  in  some  direction 
there  will  of  necessity  be  partial  failure  in  meet- 
ing the  large  expectations  of  either  individuals  or 
churches.  But  the  Evangelist  comes  in  for 
specific  forms  of  work,  touches  effectively  certain 
lines  of  duty,  and  in  every  sense  is  a  specialist  in 
religious  effort.  This  form  of  action  is  perfectly 
adapted  to  individual  and  personal  attention,  and 
makes  itself  felt  in  the  aggregate  by  its  direct 
and  forceful  effect  on  the  unit.  It  is  not  strange 
for  Revivalists  to  be  more  ready  and  better 
equipped  for  their  particular  department  of  effort 
than  those  whose  service  is  more  diversified  and 
general  in  its  forms.  This  very  fact  puts  them 
at  advantage  over  ordinary  workers.  The  people 
question  the  ability  of  the  pastor  for  this  particu- 
lar line  of  work,  but  3deld  assent  at  once  to  one 
whose  reputation  declares  him  a  master  in  this 
department. 

It  is  an  indisputable  fact  that  as  toco-operation. 
Evangelists  have  largely  the  advantage  of  the 
ordinary  preacher.  If  it  be  not  a  blameworthy 
thing,  but  rather  a  praiseworthy  thing,  it  is  at 
tibie  least  an   unquestionable   fact.     It  is  not   in- 


OF    REV.   G.    W.    WILSON.  95 

variably  true,  but  ordinarily  so,  that  the  stranger 
exerts  a  unifying  influence  that  would  be  un- 
attainable to  the  man  familiar  with  all  the  discor- 
dant elements  and  factional  forces  of  congre- 
gations and  churches.  Sometimes  the  novelty, 
sometimes  the  peculiar  methods,  often  the  pure 
devotion  of  the  Evanglist  to  his  work  enlists  the 
interest  and  wins  the  support  of  religious  people. 
Then  the  invited  worker  can  make  exacting  de- 
mands that  must  meet  with  ready  compliance,  or 
he  declines  to  work  at  all.  He  receives  assurance 
of  sympathy,  of  a  hearty  endorsement  by  pastors, 
official  boards,  and  even  of  the  membership  of 
churches,  before  he  begins  a  single  service.  So 
he  comes  to  an  expectant  people,  a  ready  people, 
a  waiting  people,  a  harmonious,  pledged,  and 
sacrificing  church  or  churches ;  and  from  the 
moment  of  assuming  the  control  of  the  forces  at 
his  disposal,  he  goes  unembarrassed  at  his  task, 
with  no  thought  that  there  will  be  reluctant 
acquiesence,  doubtful  compliance  with  his  com- 
mands, or  any  coldness  toward  him  in  the  pro- 
gress of  his  work.  From  this  advertised  state  of 
things  there  comes  a  moral  force  of  incalculable 
weight.  Every  utterance,  every  movement,  every 
varying  phase  of  service,  song,  or  prayer,  or 
exhortation  is  vitalized  by  its  agency. 

The   ministers   of   churches,    often     of   every 
name,  accord  pre-eminence  to  the   Evangelist,  in 


96  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL   WORK 

his  position  of  proffered  captaincy  of  God's  hosts, 

while  hundreds  of  earnest,  pious  men  and  women 

yield  ready    service   in  whatsoever  department  it 

may   be   needed.       Each     added    worker     gives 

fresh  momentum  to  the  volume,    and  a  gathering 

tide  sets  heavenward  at  times,  and  under  certain 

religious  conditions    and    surroundings,   becomes 

almost  resistless  in  its  force.     These  harmonized, 

gathered  forces,    marshalled  in  a  common   line, 

illustrate    with  matchless   power  the    oneness  of 

religious  life,  the  identity  of  experience,  the  truth 

of  Christian  fellowship,  and  the  supremacy  in  the 

Church,  of    Love    to  God,  and    "good   will   to 

men," 

"  One  sole  baptismal  sign, 

One  Lord  below,  above, 

One  faith,  one  hope  Divine, 

One  only  vpatchword  love ; 

From  different  temples  though  it  rise. 

One  song  ascendeth  to  the  skies." 

And  may  not  one  of  the  gi'andest  ends  possible 
for  any  worker  to  attain  be  that  of  bringing 
together  in  cordial  sympathy,  hearty  effort,  dail}' 
devotions,  and  ready  sacrifices,  the  followers  of 
Jesus,  of  every  name  and  order,  and  in  this  way, 
in  unaffected  manner  demonstrate  the  spirit  of  a 
scenuine  Christian  Brotherhood? 


OF    REV.  G.  W.  WILSON.  97 


BUNKER  HILL  REVIVAL,  AND   COM- 
PARATIVE VALUES. 


Bunker  Hill  Revival. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


>R.  WILSON  assumed  the  charge  of  the 
meetings  at  this  place  on  Friday  evening, 
May  11,  1883,  On  the  first  evening  a 
large  congregation  was  present,  and  a  marked  in- 
terest was  manifest.  Seven  persons  presented 
themselves  as  seekers,  and  five  of  these  made  a 
profession  of  religion  that  evening.  From  day 
to  day  the  work  progressed  with  increasing  mo- 
mentum, until  a  general  awakening  prevailed  in 
the  community ;  and  the  churches,  especially  the 
Congregational  and  Methodist,  were  roused  to 
unusual  activity  in  efforts  to  win  the  irreligious 
and  influence  men  to  a  better  life. 

The  Bunker  Hill  Gazette  at  the  conclusion  of 
the  meetings  wrote  as  follows: — "The  great 
feature  of  the  revival  effort  in  this  place  was  an 
all-day  Jubilee  service  held  last  Sabbath.  The 
day  meetings,  commencing  at  9.30  a.m.,  and 
closing  at  5  p.m.,  were  held  in  the  Congregational 
7 


98  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL  WORK 

Church  grounds,  and  evening  service  in  the 
church.  Nearly  one  thousand  people  attended 
the  morning  meeting,  and  one  half  as  many  more 
that  in  the  afternoon.  Rev.  Wilson  delivered  an 
excellent  discourse  at  the  former  service.  In  the 
afternoon  brief  addresses  were  made  by  the 
various  resident  clergymen,  and  the  sacrament  of 
the  Lord's  Supper  was  administered  in  accord- 
ance with  the  usage  of  the  M.  E.  Church.  In 
the  evening  a  praise  meeting  was  held,  the  con- 
gregation being  one  of  the  largest  ever  assembled 
within  church  walls  at  this  place.  Rev.  Wilson 
followed  in  an  address  to  young  converts,  impress- 
ing upon  them  the  necessity  for  identifying  them- 
selves with  some  church  organization.  On  Mon- 
day afternoon  a  prayer  and  praise  meeting  was 
held  in  the  Methodist  Church.  In  the  even- 
ing the  final  meeting  was  held.  This  revival 
effort,  which  has  continued  for  three  and  a-half 
weeks,  is  one  of  the  most  successful  ever  held  in 
this  place,  and  has  been  fruitful  of  great  good. 
The  number  of  professions  is  reported  to  be  132, 
but  of  these  quite  a  number  have  not  been  con- 
versions, strictly  speaking,  but  a  re-awakening  of 
those  who  had  become  cold  and  careless.  A 
most  excellent  result  of  the  meeting  has  been  the 
unification  of  Christian  people,  the  healing  of  dis- 
sention,  and  the  arousing  of  a  warm  spirituality 
on  the  part  of  the    churches.     To   this  time    up- 


OF   REV.    O.    W.  WILSON.  99 

wards  of  thirty  persons  have  connected  themselves 
with  the  Methodist  Church,  and  others  will  follow 
at  an  early  day.  The  other  churches  will  also 
receive  considerable  accessions." 


Comparative  Values. 


"  His  law  is  action :  gates  of  power 
Stand  open  in  his  view : 
A  restless  soul,  a  holy  zeal 
Shall  give  him  entrance  through." 

If  he  gives  attention  at  all  to  the  subject,  the 
Evangelist  may  have  occasion  to  think  of  his  work, 
from  the  haste  in  which  it  is  done,  as  likely  to 
have  a  correspondingly  early  completion.  The 
strain  on  brain  and  nerve,  the  tension  great  and 
continous,  places  one  under  the  law  governing  in 
such  exceptional  cases, — and  not  under  the  law 
and  penalty,  operating  in  the  case  of  the  ordinary 
thinker  and  worker. 

The  man  living  in  constant  revival  may  find 
partial  exemption  from  the  penalty  affixed  to  in- 
temperate labor,  through  the  stimulus  that  comes 
by  the  Divine  Spiritual  Agency,  manifest  in  these 


100  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

gracious  outpourings,  and  in  a  measure  counter- 
acting the  destructive  influence  resulting  from 
mental  and  physical  exhaustion.  But  the  enthusi- 
asm and  uninterrupted  toil  of  the  Evangelist  niay 
give  clear  intimation  of  the  fact  to  him  that  in 
his  course  of  immoderate  effort  he  is  certainly 
hastening  the  end  of  life,  or  the  end  of  labor. 
Now  with  this  condition,  and  with  this  prospect 
in  view,  are  there  any  compensations  to  which 
this  class  of  workers  may  tuin  their  thought? 
With  such  facts  before  us  as  we  have  mentioned 
some  will  doubtless  argue  that  Evangelistic  work 
is  deficient  in  a  sense  that  goes  to  make  one's 
life  and  service  in  the  religious  domain  a  success. 
That  is,  the  life  and  work  of  the  Evangelist  are 
of  brief  duration  compared  with  either  that  of 
the  teacher  or  pastor.  So  we  are  apt  to  con- 
clude that  there  is  some  element  wanting  to  make 
the  life  a  well-rounded  and  perfect  one.  But  the 
value  of  the  Revivalist's  service  is  not  to  be  meas- 
ured by  the  ordinary  standard,  but  by  one  of  differ- 
ent kind,  yet  we  shall  assume  one  equally  true. 
Let  us  examine  this  subject  in  a  mathematical 
way,  and  see  what  result  shall  be  reached  by  the 
method  of  figures.  Ordinarily  the  Evangelist 
preaches  every  day  in  the  year  ;  but  making  prop- 
er .allowance  for  time  lost  in  changing  from 
place  to  place  in  his  work,  and  what  may  be 
absolutely  essential  for  rest,  we  may  thus  reduce 


OF    REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  101 

the  time  he    ministers  to  the  great  congregations 
to  three  hundred  days  in  the  year. 

Here  let  us  make  note  of  the  fact  that  his 
audiences  are  nearly  always  of  the  maximum  kind. 
Then  suppose  that  his  congregations  at  his  even- 
ing meetings,  for  these  are  the  chief  religious 
gatherings  in  revival  seasons,  shall  average  three 
hundred  persons.  We  shall  then  find  that  three 
hundred  multiplied  by  three  hundred  will  give  us 
ninety  thousand  as  the  number  he  addresses  on 
the  subject  of  religion  in  these  nightly  meetings 
during  the  year.  And,  besides  this,  he  usually 
meets  the  most  interested  church  members,  and 
many  awakened  enquirers,  in  a  service  at  some 
suitable  hour  during  the  day. 

Now  let  us  examine  per  contra  the  work  of  the 
regular  pastor.  We  shall  assume  that  he  min- 
isters to,  say  two  hundred  persons  for  fifty 
Sabbaths  and  forty  secular  days  in  the  year. 
This  would  give  us  an  aggregate  of  eighteen  thou- 
sand persons  to  whom  he  preaches  the  gospel 
during  the  year.  If  it  be  said  that  the  calcula- 
tion is  at  fault  from  the  fact  that  the  pastor  has 
two  services  per  day,  we  answer  that  the  after- 
noon meeting  where  the  Evangelist  labors  is  of 
such  import  as  to  equal  either  one  or  the  other  of 
these.  We  may  then  fix  approximately  the 
average  term  of  efficient  pastorial  service  at 
twenty  years.     Then  we  find  the  Evangelist's  one 


102  EVANGELISM,    AND   REVIVAL    WORK 

year  equivalent  to  five  of  the  pastor,  if  we  reckon 
his  efforts  in  preaching  to  be  as  efficient  as  those 
of  the  man  in  the  regular  work, — one  preaching 
to  ninety  thousand  in  one  year,  the  other  the  same 
number  in  five  years.  In  summing  up  the  total 
results  we  find  th'dtfour  years  of  Evangelistic 
work  is  equal  to  a  life-time  of  service  of  the 
regular  pastor.  In  other  words,  the  Evangelist 
makes  up  in  speed  for  what  is  wanting  in  time. 
The  methods  of  the  two  stand  somewhat  in  rela- 
tion to  each  other  as  the  traveling  by  rail  of  to-day 
to  the  stage  coach  journey  of  a  great  while  ago  ; 
or  as  the  process  of  communication  by  telegraph 
to  the  more  tardy  mode  of  letter  conveyance  by 
mail.  Then  we  should  make  account  of  the  fact 
that  the  Evangelist  rarely  works  when  the  material 
at  hand  is  other  than  at  the  white  heat  of  revival 
times,  and  when  almost  every  possible  combina- 
tion is  secured  to  give  point  and  efficiency  to  his 
every  appeal.  There  is  no  purpose  in  this  com- 
parative view  to  magnify  the  work  of  the 
Evangelist,  and  by  contrast  minify  that  of  the 
pastor, — since  in  a  preceding  chapter  we  have 
stated  our  thought  on  the  value  of  "  Pastoral 
Effort;" — but  our  desire  has  been  to  set  in  its 
true  light  the  exhaustive  labor  of  this  class  of 
relisrious  workers,  and  show  that  there  are  abun- 
dant  compensations  for  it. 
Jt  has  seemed   apparent  to  us   that  in   special 


OF    REV.  G.    W.    WILSON.  103 

cases  a  life-time  work  might  be  wrought  out  at 
lightning  speed,  and  that  one  might  as  effectually 
meet  the  demands  of  the  times,  and  as  certainly 
fill  up  the  measure  of  usefulness  by  the  rapid  as 
by  the  slow  and  plodding  process.  Still  we  shall 
find  that  brilliancy  will  be  offset  by  brevity,  and 
large  and  speedy  results  attained  at  the  cost  of  an 
early  enforced  suspension  from  active  ministerial 
effort,  or  a  removal  in  mid-career  to  Heaven's 
reward  and  rest.  Yet  surely  one  may  have  no 
cause  to  mourn  whose  "  zeal "  has  in  a  measure 
"  eaten  him  up,"  and  whose  race  was  run  by 
rapid  strides  ; — while  others,  as  God  may  will, 
shall  journey  by  tedious  round  to  reach  the  goal, 
and  shall  find  themselves  happy  in  their  lot,  and 
pleased,  and  satisfied  with  a  long  career  of  steady 
work.  One's  "  Sun  may  go  down  at  noon,"  as 
did  a  Summerfield's  by  God's  appointment,  and 
yet  in  far  off  worlds  shine  more  bright,  and 
long,  for  an  early,  earthly  setting.  The  compen- 
sations in  God's  administration  ai*e  among  the 
mysteries  of  that  government  that  has  control  of 
all  the  minutest  forms  of  life,  and  deals  in  com. 
pletest  justice  with  each  specific  and  separate  sub- 
ject of  it. 


104  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL   WORK 


PREACHING  AND  EXHORTATION 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


"Persuasion,  friend,  conies  not  by  toil  or  art. 

Hard  study  never  made  tlie  matter  clearer; 

'Tis  tiie  live  fountain  in  the  preaclier's  heart 

Sends  forth  the  streams  that  melt  the  ravished  hearer." 

HE  gifts  of  God  to  men  are  of  varied  kinds, 
^^  both  as  to  intellectual  and    moral  capabili- 
ties, and   are  as   fitting  as  their   difference 
of  form  and  face. 

Thus  this  idea  is  set  forth  by  apostolic  teaching  : 

4.  Now  there  are  diversities  of  gifts,  but  the 
same  Spirit. 

5.  And  there  are  differences  of  administrations, 
but  the  same  Lord. 

6.  And  there  are  diversities  of  operations,  but 
it  is  the  same  God  which  worketh  all  in  all. 

7.  But  the  manifestation  of  the  Spirit  is  given 
to  every  man  to  profit  withal. 

8.  For  to  one  is  given  by  the  Spirit  the  word 
of  wisdom  ;  to  another,  the  word  of  knowledge 
by  the  same  Spirit ; 

9.  To  another,  faith    by  the   same    Spirit ;  to 


OF    REV.    G.    W.  WILSON.  105 

{mother,  the  gifts  of  healing  by  the  same  Spirit ; 

10.  To  another,  the  working  of  miracles  ;  to 
another,  prophecy ;  to  another,  discerning  of 
spirits  ;  to  another  divers  kinds  of  tongues  ;  to 
another,  the  interpretation  of  tongues  ; 

11.  But  all  these  worketh  that  one  and  the 
self-same  Spirit,  dividing  to  every  man  severally 
as  he  will. 

Great  preachers  have  characteristics  marking 
their  individuality,  often  preserving  by  strong 
lines  of  separation  their  religious,  moral,  or  intel- 
lectual idiosyncrasies.  They  are  unlike  in  manner 
and  matter  and  temper.  Massillon  found  no  re- 
semblance in  Rowland  Hill,  nor  Whitefield  in  Wes- 
ley, nor  Jonathan  Edward  in  Adam  Clark,  nor 
Bascom  in  Spurgeon,  and  so  on  through  all  the 
long  list  of  pulpit  prodigies. 

So,  too,  of  those  less  distinguished,  making  the 
vast  body  of  ministerial  and  evangelistic  workers 
of  the  ages.  We  shall  find  one  a  tearful  pleader, 
another  a  fearless  denouncer,  this  one  will  breathe 
his  utterances  soft  as  the  tones  of  an  ^olean  haqD, 
that  one's  message  will  come  in  the  clarion  notes 
of  the  trumpet's  call.  Here  one  will  speak  in  the 
language  of  Scripture,  then  another  in  the  gem- 
like forms  of  ^oesy.  One  will  give  emphasis  in 
incident,  another  in  experience,  while  some  one 
may  by  a  peculiarly  happy  faculty  or  gift  voice 
his   ministration  in  a  combination  of  every  style 


106  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

Some  of  God's  servants  will  keep  his  hearers 
in  solemn  frame,  others  in  mirthful,  or  saddened 
mood,  by  turns  ;  one  vvill  seek  excitement,  another 
strive  to  quell  it,  yet  each  achieve  a  success,  and 
gain  the  object  sought,  even  if  it  be  by  means 
widely  divergent  in  their  forms.  Thus  the  gath- 
ered throngs  of  hearers,  the  multitude  of  anxious 
listeners  receive  God's  message  from  every  pos- 
sible variety  of  agents,  in  every  conceivable  phase 
of  expression,  and  in  all  the  modulations  of  tone 
and  temper  known  to  human  beings. 

To  move  the  hearer  by  legitimate  means,  how- 
ever varied  the  means  may  be,  is  at  once  the  plain 
prerogative,  and  must  be  the  studied  purpose  of 
every  ministerial  worker.  So  he  may  "  win 
souls  "  is  the  absorbing  thought  and  consuming' 
desire  of  the  "ambassador  of  Christ."  It  may 
matter  to  him  but  little  whether  it  be  by  the  agen- 
cy of  sermon  or  song,  or  prayer  or  exhortation, 
or  sigh  or  tear,  so  God's  Avork  is  done  and  souls 
are  saved.  He  is  wise  who  levies  on  all  appli- 
ances, wields  all  force,  tries  every  method,  uses 
every  help,  and  neither  overlooks  nor  neglects  the 
least  of  all  God's  ordained  agencies  for  good. 
An  unskillful  workman  may  overdo  in  the  ser- 
monic  method,  and  wear  out  an  audience  and  re- 
ligious interest  by  persistence  in  presenting  the 
dull  platitudes  of  formal  discourse,  or  being  dis- 
posed to  another  form  of   approach  may  mar  the 


OF    REV.    G.    W.    WILSO^.  107 

effectiveness  of  his  ministry  by  a  continuance  in 
a  studied  and  arrano;ed-f  or  course  of  sonff  service 
and  exhortation.  Great  gifts  in  any  one  direction 
may  lead  to  overwork  in  the  particular  vein  for 
which  one's  special  capacity  may  seem  to  fit  him. 
The  most  happy  method  is  a  golden  mean,  neither 
too  much  preaching  nor  too  much  of  exhortation  ; 
not  an  overdoing  in  the  department  of  ministerial 
or  lay  exercise,  but  a  judicious  blending  of  them 
all.  Yet  some  workers  knowing  of  only  one 
source  of  power  as  their  chief  dependence  to 
arouse  men  to  action,  to  awaken  men  to  a  sense  of 
their  sinfulness  and  danger,  and  to  get  revival  in- 
fluence started,  and  moving  in  successful  and 
dominating  power,  make  this  almost  their  sole 
resort  in  their  ministry  of  years.  And  it  may  be 
better  to  overdo  in  efforts  at  set  preaching,  or 
formal  exhortation,  or  routine  prayer  or  praise 
service,  than  adopt  a  method  mth  which  the 
Evangelist  may  not  be  in  harmony,  catching 
at  something  he  knows  not  what,  thereby  only 
calling  attention  to  his  ignorance  or  awkwardness, 
or  both. 

Certainly  Harrison  would  fail  if  he  depended 
upon  preaching,  Moody  if  on  singing,  Philip 
Phillips  if  on  anything  but  song,  and  Summerfield 
and  John  Ne  wland  Maffitt  if  they  had  rested  on  any- 
thing but  their  seemingly  inspired  sermons.  In 
revival  services  a  plan  more  or  less  of  one  general 


108  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

form  must  be  adopted.  Some  parts  of  the  ser- 
vice cannot  be  omitted,  hovvever  much  the  parts 
may  be  transposed,  or  forced  by  exigencies  into 
disproportionate  form,  or  crowded  into  abnormal 
places  in  that  particular  hour  of  devotion.  Cir- 
curhstances,  people,  churches,  and  conditions 
may  widely  vary,  and  these  must  impart  some 
special  phase  to  each  particular  revival  service 
and  season.  Adaptation  must  be  studied  and 
providential  indications  must  always  measurably 
influence  one  in  doing  the  best  religious  work. 
Preachers  cannot  always  conduct  every  service 
even  to  their  own  liking  ;  sometimes  before  they 
are  aware  of  it,  it  may,  in  a  measure,  be  beyond 
their  control  by  providential  interference,  and  no 
arranged-for  programme  could  be  carried  out.  It 
would  be  a  very  grave  blunder  when  such  a  posi- 
tive Divine  interference  occurred  to  still  endeavor 
to  keep  the  services  to  the  line  of  human  methods, 
and  measurably  ignore  God's  plainly  indicated 
course  of  action. 

That  is  to  say,  suppose  a  preacher  might  find, 
on  beginning  a  service  at  the  appointed  time,  such 
a  state  of  religious  feeling,  as  that  an  attempt  at 
regular  preaching  would  tend  to  suppress  rather 
than  highten  the  fervor ;  it  would  surely  seem  to 
be  great  unwisdom,  if  not  vain  presumption,  to 
persist  in  the  delivery  of  a  set  discourse,  when  evi- 
dent that  persons  were  m   just  the    frame  at  the 


OF   REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  109 

outset  one  would  wish  them  when  the  sermon 
ended.  The  greatest  measure  of  succe^  should 
be  the  aim,  the  fullest  scope  to  Proyidential  lead- 
ings, even  if  for  the  time  the  preacher  must  be 
content  with  a  position  of  seemingly  lessened 
irajDortance  in  his  work. 

Any  good  man,  any  great  captain,  any  worthy 
Evangelist  should  welcome  the  sway  of  spiritual 
power  that  might  start  the  "Eldads  and  Medads 
to  prophecying  in  the  camp,"  even  though  for  the 
time  his  reputation  for  gi'eat  preachmg,  or  suc- 
cessful generalship,  must  be  measurably  eclipsed 
thereby. 

It  is  well  for  men,  even  the  greatest  and  the 
best,  to  sink  into  insignificance  at  times,  and  rev- 
erently bow  as  novices  in  the  realm  of  religious 
forces,  in  the  presence  of  that  all-quickening,  all 
pervading,  all-conquering  spirit,  that  energizes 
alike  the  greater  and  the  weaker  human  agencies. 

"The  Spirit  of  God 
From  heaven  descending,  dwells  in  domes  of  clay : 
In  modes  far  passing  human  thought,  he  guides,  , 

Impels,  instructs."  / 

His  must  be  a  closely  attentive  ear,  and  a  nice 
discrimuiating  sense  of  hearing,  to  enable  him 
amid  the  din  and  above  the  roar  of  earth's  com- 
mingling voices,  to  catch  the  tones  of  zephyi*  soft- 
ness, of  God's  inward  breathing  Spirit,  delivering 
to  His  servant  the  message  of  love  to  man .      Yet 


V 


llO  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL    WoUK 

that  message  comes,  and  comes  in  the  freshness 
of  a  new  creation,  and  enters  as  a  sweet  mystery 
into  that  listening  ear,  and  to  that  receptive  heart, 
to  come  forth  voiced  by  God's  servant,  at  the  su- 
preme moment  for  its  appointed  work.  But  is 
not  that  claiming  too  much  of  an  inspiration? 
Surely  not  if  the  messengeris  "called,"  "anoint- 
ed," "sent."  God  said  to  Moses  :  "Thou  shalt 
speak  and  say,  and,  Speak  all  that  I  stall  coiq- 
mand  thee  ;"    Ex.  vii.,  2. 

Ehud  said:  "I  have  a  message  from  God  to 
thee,"  as  he  came  to  the  King  of  Eglon  in  his 
summer-house  ;  Judge  ii.,  20.  And  so  of  every 
servant  of  God  sent  to  slay  a  sin. 

When  Ahimaaz  would  let  David  know  of  Abso- 
lom's  death,  Joah  said,  "Wherefore  wilt  thou 
run  my  son,  seeing  that  thou  hast  no  tidings 
ready,"  and  who  can  go  unless  God  shall  bid 
him,  and  prepare  the  tidings  for  him?  8ee  Saml. 
xviii.,  22. 

"The  words  of  the  wise  are  as  goads,  and  as 
nails  fastened  by  the  Masters  of  Assemblies,  which 
are  given  from  One  Shepherd ;"  Eel.  xii.,  11. 

Said  the  Saviour,  "It  is  not  ye  that  speak,  but 
the  spirit  of  your  Father  which  speakethin  you  :" 
Matt,  x.,20. 

And  in  Pentecostal  times,  "The  Apostles  were 
filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  spake  with  other 


OF   REV.    C.    W.    WILSON.  Ill 

tongues  as  the  Spirit  gave  them  utterance."  Acts 

a.,  4. 

And  in  all  times  the  true  minister  can  say, 
*'Now  we  have  received  not  the  spirit  of  the 
world,  but  the  Spirit  which  is  of  God  ;  that  we 
might  know  the  things  that  are  freely  given  us  of 
God.  Which  things  also  we  speak  not  in  words 
which  man's  wisdom  teacheth,  but  which  the 
Holy  Ghost  teacheth  ;"  /.  Coi'.  ii.,  13.  And 
with  a  sense  of  constant  dependence  on  God,  in 
daily  communion  with  Him,  and  with  unfaltering 
faith  in  his  promise,  "Lo  1  am  with  3'ou,"  His 
servants  may  speak  with  boldness,  and  find  in 
their  public  ministrations  that  the  Word  is  in 
"demonstration  of  the  spirit  and  of  power."  Yet 
in  the  details  as  to  manner  and  forms,  a  large 
margin  is  left  for  the  exercise  of  taste,  choice, 
judgment,  and  the  influence  of  surroundings  at 
the  time  of  delivery. 

A  man  may  feel  moved  to  preach  it,  or  pray  it, 
or  sing  it,  or  exhort  it,  arid  in  any  or  all  these 
methods,  or  in  ways  unnamed  God's  messages  of 
life  may  be  conveyed  to  perishing  men.  In  any 
manner  it  may  work  God's  will  by  its  jjositive 
eflficiency  to  justify  his  mercy  and  his  grace  to 
men.  It  need  not  be  elaborate,  it  may  be,  yet 
he  shall  know  of  what  it  ought  to  5e,  who  has 
enquired  of  the  Lord.  God's  message  comes  and 
goes  through  the  warm  channel  of  the   heart  and 


112  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

life,  and  by  the  pathway  of  vocal  sound,  and  with 
language  and  action  in  harmony  with  the  subject 
and  object  it  wings  its  way  to    do  God's  bidding. 

"And  well  without  book  or  stole, 
(God's  words  were  printed  on  his  soul!) 

Into  the  waiting  ear 
He  breathed,  as  'twere  an  angel's  strain, 

The  things  that  unto  life  pertain 
And  deaths  dark  shadows  clear." 

How  simple  at  times  the  form  !  How  strange 
the  results  that  follow !  How  surprising  the 
force  of  gospel  truth  ! 

A  minister    said,  after    reading  in  a  morning 

meeting  the  Lord's  prayer,  "  Now  how  many  of 

you  can  say,  '  Our  Father,'  let  us  see?"     One 

young    lady    said,  "  I  cannot,"    and    conviction 

came,  and  prayer  begun,  and  revival  work  from 

that  non-pretentious  service,  that  morning  hour. 

Who  may  not  see  that  "  Our  Father,"  in  that 

particular  way,  under    the  special    influences  of 

that  hour  was  more  efficient  than  the  preaching  of 

any  elaborate  sermon  could  have  been.     What  a 

vast  treasury  is  God's  word  ! 

"  It  always  yields 

To  holy  hands  and  humble  hearts, 

More  swords  and  shields 

Than  sin  hath  snares,  and  hell  hath  darts." 

But  let  God's  ministers  meditate,  weigh  well, 
and  make  no  mistake  in  the  presence  of  waiting, 
wishful,  expectant  and  perishing  men.     Go  into 


OF   REV.  G.  W.  WILSON.  113 

no  beaten  pathway  in  religious  work,  simply 
because  less  effort  may  be  needful,  copy  no  min- 
isterial worker,  because  his  style  and  methods 
have  been  crowned  with  success  ;  nor  be  a  servile 
imitator  in  matter  or  manner,  diction  or  delivery 
of  distinguished  preachers,  or  eminent  and  grand 
revivalists.  In  native  purity,  in  unaffected  sim- 
plicity, do  the  work  of  God,  "rightly  dividing 
the  word  of  truth,"  giving  each  his  portion  in  due 
season.  Especially  should  God's  servants  be  free 
from  pulpit  airs,  pulpit  hobbies,  and  trifling  speech. 

"  He  that  negotiates  between  God  and  man, 

As  God's  ambassador,  the  great  concerns 

Of  judgment  and  of  mercy  should  beware 

Of  lightness  in  his  speech.     'Tis  pitiful 

To  court  a  grin,  when  you  should  woo  a  soul ; 

To  beak  a  jest  when  pity  would  inspire 

Pathetic  exhortation :  And  to  address 

The  skittish  fancy  with  facetious  tales, 

When  sent  with  God's  commission  to  the  heart." 

Let  them   adhere   to    an  unaffected    style,  to 

legitimate  methods,  and  thus  with  sincerity  and 

zeal  move  in  the  sphere  that  God  ordains.     There 

is  such  a  thing  as  a  happy  blending  of  the  beauties 

of  truth  with    forms    of    expression,    style    of 

delivery,  tones  of  voice,  and  qualities  of  action,  so 

as  to  seem  in  perfect  harmony  with  the  peculiarities 

of  the  occasion  or  state  of  feelinsj.     Naturalness 

is  always  taken  at  its  value.     A  studied  attitude 

is  readilv  detected  even  by  the  untutored  observer, 
8 


114  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

and  put  at  proper  discount  at  the  bar  of  human 
judgment.  Catching  on  to  the  novelties  of  in- 
ventors in  the  realm  of  religious  work,  or  seeking 
after  the  loud  and  startling  for  effect,  may  serve 
its  purpose  for  the  day,  but  neither  will  the  work 
or  workman  endure  the  test  of  time.  But  Heaven 
guided,  failing  not,  keeping  pure,  and  keeping 
true,  the  preacher's  work  is  the  grandest  ministry 
that  human  life  affords. 

"  I  saw  one  man,  armed  simply  with  God's  word, 
Enter  the  souls  of  many  fellow-men. 
And  pierce  them  sharply  as  a  two-edged  sword, 
While  conscience  echoed  back  his  words  again ; 
Till,  even  as  showers  of  fertilizing  rain 
Sink  through  the  bosom  of  the  valley  clod, 
So  their  hearts  opened  to  the  wholesome  pain. 
And  hundreds  knelt  upon  the  flowery  sod. 
One  good  man's  earnest  prayer  the  link  'twixt  them  and 
God." 


OF   REV.  G.  W.  WELSON.  115 


COLLINSVILLE    REVIVAL. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


''HE  material  comprising  this  chapter  was 
furnished  by  Miss  Ida  Willoughby. 
<'  Oct.  15th  quite  a  number  of  persons, 
some  prof essed  Christians,  some  unmoved  sinners, 
some,  possibly,  penitent  souls,  were  gathered  at 
the  Methodist  Church  in  Collins ville,  Madison 
County,  111.  It  had  been  announced  that  the 
Revivalist,  Rev.  G.  W.  Wilson,  would  begin  a 
series  of  meetings  that  evening.  Failing  to  reach 
Collinsville  by  the  first  evening  train,  Mr.  Wilson 
did  not  arrive  until  9  o'clock.  Still  the  audience 
remained,  and  were  much  gratified  by  the  appear- 
ance of  the  Evangelist  at  that  late  hour. '  His 
very  presence  gave  a  kind  of  inspiration  to  the 
waiting  audience,  and  prepared  them  for  courage- 
ous work.  His  first  move  was  to  determine  the 
number  of  professed  Christians  present,  aud  thus 
at  the  outset  discover  who  were  his  helpers 
Then  followed  a  short  exhortation,  and  one  or 
two  songs,  and  dismissal. 

The  evening   following   the   service  was  given 


116  EVANGELISM,    AND   REVIVAL   WORK 

in  part  to  the  examination  of  the  text, — "Set 
thine  house  in  order  ;  for  thou  shalt  die,  and  not 
live  ;"  II.  Kings  xx.,  1.  Here  scope  was  given  to 
thought  ranging  over  the  ground  of  life's  un- 
certainty, its  possible  unexpected  termination, 
and  the  importance  of  preparation  for  its  end. 

Following  this  at  the  next  evening's  meeting 
was  a  sermon  from  Mat.  xvi.,  26.  The  leading 
thought  in  the  consideration  of  this  scripture 
was  : — The  attainment  of  the  world's  goods  might 
bring  much  trouble  and  anxiety,  and  that  without 
an  heritage  beyond  life  no  opulence,  no  posses- 
sions, no  treasure,  would  be  of  value.  The 
preaching  seemed  at  once  to  find  a  responsive 
hearing,  and  inquiries  were  soon  extorted  of 
"what  must  I  do  to  be  saved."  The  members  of 
the  church  were  quickened,  and  revival  influences 
were  very  soon  apparent  in  the  earnest  and  ready 
work  of  God's  people.  As  in  most  meetings  of 
this  character  the  timid  soon  became  courage- 
ous, the  weak  strong,  and  nearly  all  aroused  to 
put  forth  a  vigorous  effort  for  the  salvation  of 
men. 

The  community  of  Collinsville  consists  of  a 
heterogeneous  mass,  though  largely  composed  of 
coal  miners,  and  those  mostly  are  foreigners. 
Some  of  these  latter  seem  to  have  had  little 
moral  or  religious  culture,  and  poor  opportunities 
for  hearing  the  gospel,  or  if  possible,  such  advan- 


OF  REV.  G.  W.  WILSON.  117 

tages  have  not  been  improved.  With  these  there 
was  a  class,  not  large  in  numbers,  who  were  per- 
sons of  educational  advantages  and  social  position, 
who  in  a  sense  were  the  leaders  of  thought,  yet 
sceptical  and  disinclined  to  any  serious  considera- 
tion of  religious  claims.  The  miners  seemed  the 
most  susceptible,  and  the  beautiful  songs  and 
earnest  prayers  of  God's  children  soon  touched  a 
responsive  chord  in  their  nature.  As  they  entered 
into  a  happy  experience  they  began  a  most  earn- 
est work  for  their  associates,  and  instrumentally 
did  much  to  further  the  interest  of  the  meeting. 
The  testimony  of  young  converts  soon  added 
force  to  the  accumulating  influences,  and  so  the 
work  took  an  enlarged  form  and  became  a  theme 
and  subject  of  absorbing  interest.  The  whole 
town  came  more  or  less  under  the  awakening  in- 
fluence, and  many  who  had  been  sceptical  came 
to  see  and  acknowledge  that  the  Divine  power  was 
manifest  in  this  visitation.  An  old  citizen  re- 
marked, after  this  wonderful  revival  had  swept 
on  in  its  conquest  of  hundreds  of  converts,  that, 
"  Infidelity  is  no  longer  preached  upon  our 
streets."  Influential  and  leading  members  of  the 
community  made  a  profession  of  religion  and 
came  into  hearty  accord  with  the  work.  Two 
hundred  and  seventy-five  during  the  brief  weeks 
of  work  made  a  profession  of  religion,  and  one 
hundred  and  eighty-five  souls  were  added  to  the 


118  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL   WORK 

church.  The  Divine  Spirit  had  been  present  in 
glorious  majesty,  and  a  tidal  wave  of  religious 
power  had  swept  over  the  village  and  community. 
The  pastor,  Rev.  T.  J,  Davis,  had  been  faith- 
ful and  earnest  in  his  endeavors  to  promote  the 
work  of  religion  in  Collinsville,  and  found  his 
hopes  realized  and  his  prayers  answered  in  the 
wonderful  outpouring  of  the  revival  of  October, 
1883. 


OF   REV.    G.    W.  WILSON.  119 


SONG  AND   ITS  USE. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


**  Hall  heaven  bom  music!  by  thy  power  we  raise 
The  uplifted  soul  to  acts  of  highest  praise : 
O!  I  would  die  with  music  melting  round, 
And  float  to  bliss  upon  a  sea  of  sound." 

VERY  high  estimate  is  put  on  this  service 
in  the  Bible,  and  a  prominent  place  has 
been  given  it  in  the  Christian  system.  Songs 
are  interspersed  through  the  whole  volume  of  in- 
spiration, and  specimens  are  there  of  touching 
beauty,  used  as  the  varied  occasions  called  them 
forth.  The  poeans  of  victory  were  heard  in  song, 
and  emphasized  with  the  timbral  of  Miriam ,  when 
Pharoah  and  his  host  were  whelmed  in  the  waters 
of  the  sea,  and  Israel  stood  exultant  beyond  the 
power  of  the  tyrant.  The  women  sang,  and  thus 
gave  expression  to  their  joy  when  David  slew 
Goliath,  and  Saul  and  his  victorious  army  return- 
ed from  the  slaughter  of  the  Philistines.  And 
when  that  magnificent  temple,  whose  glory  was 
to  fill  all  the  lands,  and  be  the  wonder  of  the 
ages,  was  solemnly  set  apart  for  the  service  of 


120  EVANGELISM,   AND   REVIVAL   WORK 

Almighty  God,  Solomon  called  to  his  aid,  and 
gave  important  part  in  that  grandest  of  ceremonials 
to  a  trained  choir,  whose  music,  vocal  and  instru- 
mental, was  to  fill  the  Judean  hills  with  the  rich- 
est melody  ever  evoked  from  heart  or  cymbal. 
**  It  came  to  pass  as  the  trumpeters  and  singers 
were  as  one  to  make  one  sound  to  be  heard  in 
praising  and  thanking  the  Lord  ;  and  when  they 
lifted  up  their  voice  with  trumpets  and  cymbals 
and  instruments  of  music,  and  praised  the  Lord 
saying,  for  He  is  good  ;  for  his  mercy  endureth 
forever ;  that  the  house  was  filled  with  a  cloud 
even  the  house  of  the  Lord — for  the  glory  of  the 
Lord  had  filled  the  house  of  God."  And  in  after 
years  when  the  people  were  oppressed,  made 
captive,  borne  along  with  overwhelming  force, 
and  disaster  came  upon  the  Church  in  Babylonish 
wars,  the  leaders  of  sacred  song,  with  heavy 
heart  "  hung  their  harps  upon  the  willows,"  and 
scornfully  and  mournfully  refused  to  gratify  their 
victors  with  the  sweet  songs  that  had  made  their 
temple  vocal,  and  had  reverberated  amid  their 
native  hills. 

This  service,  the  natural  gift  of  intelligent 
beings,  has  held  its  place  in  all  the  ages  past  as 
one  great  factor  in  religious  work,  and  is 
destined  to  form  a  more  prominent  part  of 
Christian  worship  in  the  years  to  come.  The 
Prophet  indicates  that  millennial   times  are  to  be 


OF  REV.  G.  W.  WILSON  121 

ushered  in  in  the  glad  refrains  of  song,  saying : 
'*  The  dumb  shall  sing  and  the  solitary  places 
shall  be  glad  for  them."  Then  every  convert  in 
the  day  of  his  espousal  to  Christ  shall  find  the 
prophecy  verified  in  the  ' '  new  song  put  in  his 
mouth,"  and  the  "  praise  unto  God,"  that  wells 
up  from  a  glad  heart,  and  flows  out  in  the 
rapturous  notes  of  singing.  When  he  begins  his 
journey  heavenward  his  steps  are  taken  in 
keeping  with  the  new  and  happy  symphony  of 
the  sublime  spiritual  life  he  lives,  and  when  he 
ends  his  pilgrimage  on  earth,  he  "  comes  to  Zion 
with  songs  ;"  and  the  failing  notes  of  earth  min- 
gle with  the  sweet  and  loud  acclaims  of  Heaven 
— in  that  "  new  song  of  Moses  and  the  Lamb." 

Thank  God  some  phases  of  song  belong 
exclusively  to  earth,  and  those  of  their  type  will 
have  no  place  in  heaven.  The  awakening  and 
warlike,  the  sad  and  mournful,  the  funeral  dirge 
and  requiem,  will  never  be  voiced  there,  and 
could,  if  used,  wake  no  responsive  chords  to 
answer  to  their  note.  No,  we  shall  be  done  with  for- 
ever many  a  piece  that  did  important  service  in 
the  Master's  cause  on  earth,  many  a  hymn  that 
thrilled  with  a  glow  of  inspiration,  many  a  song 
and  dirge  made  needful  and  helpful,  too,  in  our 
environments  of  sin,  and  neath  our  clouds  of 
sorrow,  not  fitting  for  that  glory  state  and  un- 
dying world.     We  shall  sing  no  more  : — 


122  EVANGELISM,    AND    llEVIVAI,    WOUK 

"  Show  pity,  Lord,  0  Lor(J  forgive. 
Let  a  repenting  rebel  live." 
Or, 
"Am  la  soldier  of  the  cross." 

Or, 

"  Come  on  my  partners  in  distress. 
My  comrades  through  this  wilderness." 
Or, 

"  My  latest  sun  is  sinking  fast, 

My  race  is  nearly  run." 

Or, 

"  Hark!  from  the  tombs  a  doleful  sound, 
Mine  ears  attend  the  cry," 

And  no  more  will  His  disciples  be  called  to  sing 
the  requiem  of  their  Lord  and  Master,  as  on 
*'that  doleful  night"  before  His  death  they  sang, 
mid  sob  and  tear,  the  last  hymn  before  the 
crucifixion.  No,  these  will  be  relegated  to  the 
regions  of  forgetfulness,  or  be  remembered  as 
the  worn  out  garments  of  an  age  gone  by.  But 
how  music  charms  !  What  potency  in  a  song  !  It 
was  this  that  gave  relief  to  Saul  and  dispelled  the 
"evil  spirit"  from  his  presence:  and  may  we 
not  from  hence  conclude  that  no  melody  floats 
upon  the  air,  no  song  of  heart  content  or  good 
fellowship  ever  wakes  the  dark  caverns  of  the 
lost?  Here  song  has  its  proper  sphere  in  the 
varied  and  incessant  movements  of  both  secular 
and  religious  life.  How  it  lulls  the  babe  upon  its 
mother's  lap,  stirs  the  patriot  to  noble  and  heroic 


OF  EEV.  G.  W.  WILSON.  123 

deeds,  wakes  to  Hew  and  quickened  flow  the  life 
blood  of  the  sluggish  church,  and  rouses  to  peni- 
tential and  believing  activity  the  soul  of  the 
deadest  sinner ! 

Said  General  Viele  : — "  It  is  the  solace  of  man's 
declining  years,  the  voice  of  harmony,  and  the 
language  that  the  angels  speak  beside  the  shining 
river." 

Said  a  minister,  who  was  a  practicing  physician 
before  his  conversion  ; — ' '  I  attended  at  the  sick 
and  dying  bed  of  a  young  lady,  who  was  a 
Christian  girl,  and  when  she  was  dying,  she  with 

others  sang : 

"  O  sing  to  rae  of  Heaven, 

When  I  am  called  to  die, 

Sing  songs  of  holy  ecstasy, 

To  waft  my  soul  on  high." 
When  I  heard  this  song,  mid  these  surroundings, 
I  rushed  into  another  room  and  threw  myself  upon 
a  bed  ;  some  one  followed  to  call  me  out.  I  could 
not  go,  I  said  :  "I  am  suffering,  I  have  a  tooth  that 
pains  me,  for  I  was  ashamed  to  confess  that  I  was 
smitten  with  penitential  grief,  yet  that  was  my 
real  pain,  and  I  sought  and  found  relief  for  my 
ache  of  heart,  by  faith  in  Jesus'  blood." 

A  Sunday-school  superintendent  of  to-day 
said: — "I  was,  in  a  neighboring  village,  too 
drunk  to  think  of  starting  home,  was  lying  down 
in  some  back  room  of  one  of  the  stores  sobering 
off ;  across   a  couple    of   lots    was   a  Methodist 


124  EVANGELISM,  AND   REVIVAL   WORK 

Church,  and  in  it  there  was  in  progress  a  Sabbath 
School  Convention.  I  could  hear  the  songs  sound- 
ing to  me  as  the  songs  of  Heaven,  so  that  my 
whole  being  was  thrilled  with  the  touching 
melodies.  I  got  up  and  started  staggering  toward 
the  place  with  the  deepest  consciousness  of  my 
lost  condition,  and  a  determination  to  seek  for- 
giveness, and  lead  another  and  better  life  ;  which 
I  did  from  that  hour,  God  both  forgiving  so  vile 
a  sinner  and  aiding  me  to  reform  my  life.  Any 
one  who  knows  of  church  work  knows  the  im- 
portant place  song  has  in  the  service.  One  half  or 
more  of  the  religious  force  in  any  meeting  is 
in  this. 

"  O  what  a  gentle  ministrant  is  music 
To  piety, — to  mild  penitent  piety! 
O  it  gives  plumage  to  the  tardy  prayer 
That  lingers  in  our  lazy,  earthly  air, 
And  melts  with  it  to  Heaven." 

Revivals  do  not  go  on,  do  not  take  on  enlarged 
form,  will  not  make  headway  against  the  dull 
formality  of  churches,  and  the  cold  and  settled 
opposition  of  the  world,  without  the  song  ser- 
vice full  and  free.  When  Moody  preaches 
Sankey  sings,  Philip  Phillips  sings  the  gospel 
literally  in  every  land,  and  leaves  the  preach- 
ing off,  Harrison  talks,  and  the  grandest  choir 
the  churches  can  bring  together  makes  melody 
in  the  heart,  and  pours  it  out  in  song.     Wilson 


OF   REV.    G.    W.  WILSON.  125 

starts  a  service  with  a  solo,  unites  the  congrega- 
tion in  a  chorus,  and  infuses  a  life  and  spirit 
power  into  the  gathered  throng  that  the  sermon 
of  a  mighty  orator  would  not  evoke.  John  Wes- 
ley was  a  wonderful  Evangelist,  but  surely  Charles, 
the  master  of  sacred  song,  ought  always  to  stand 
alongside,  and  as  high  on  the  pedestal  of  fame  and 
honor  as  his  elder  and  more  favored  brother.  If  one 
preached  the  gospel  in  its  glorious  fulness^  the 
other  sang  it  in  its  richest  cadence,  and  we  can- 
not, nor  ought  not,  to  divorce  these  wonderful 
revivalists,  whose  work  swept  the  United  King- 
dom, and  is  now  gathering  its  trophies  in  every 
land. 

Some  way,  however,  the  joyfulness  of  song 
intensifies  as  the  years  sweep  on,  and  while  each 
epoch  has  its  corps  of  noble  hymnists,  no  age 
monopolizes  all.  To  us  the  songs  of  to-day, 
burdened  with  salvation  through  Jesus  Christ, 
Christian  work,  Heaven  and  endless  life,  are  sweet 
and  sacred  as  those  embalmed  in  memory  and 
made  precious  by  their  hundred  years  of  use  ;  and 
just  as  much  and  completely  meet  the  demands 
of  our  times  as  those  of  Wesley,  Watts,  Dodd- 
ridge, Cowper,  Newton,  or  Heber  did  theirs  ;  and 
all  Christendom  ought  to  do  homage  to  the  grace 
appearing  in  the  songs  of  Fannie  Crosby,  Francis 
Eidley  Havergall,  P.  P.  Bliss  and  their  compeers, 
as  to  the  grace  appearing  in  the  inspired  notes  of 


'"IJB  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL   WORK 

those  more  ancient  worthies.  If  you  awaken 
enthusiasm,  if  you  set  the  emotional  all  aglow, 
and  mean  to  touch  all  sensibilities  you  must  evoke 
the  power  of  song. 

Chorus  song  must  take  its  place  and  do  its  full 
measure  of  service,  we  cannot  exclude  it,  it  will 
not  stay  out,  nor  need  we  wish  to  banish  it,  since 
it  joins  all  voices,  touches  a  chord  responsive  to 
its  note  in  the  dullest,  deadest,  coldest,  hardest 
heart,  and  permeates  the  living  mass  with  its 
electric  thrill. 

The  great  revivals  of  forty  or  fifty  years  ago, 
when  the  effects  were  visible  in  bodily  contortions 
and  extravagant  outbursts  of  feeling,  the  multi- 
tudes were  wrought  to  this  high  pitch  of  religious 
fervor,  not  by  the  impassioned  sermon,  and  the 
heaven-moving  prayer  alone,  but  by  the  swelling 
notes  of  the  chorus  hymn  as  it  came  pouring 
forth  in  full  majestic  numbers,  or  in  subdued 
strains  sweet  as  the  songs  of  Heaven  upon  the 
gathered  multitudes. 

*'  Anon  through  every  pulse  the  music  stole, 
And  held  sublime  communion  with  the  soul, 
Wrung  from  the  coldest  breast  the  impassioned  sigh, 
And  kindled  rapture  in  every  eye." 

Who  has  not  at  revival  times  heard  the  chorus 
of  some  favorite  piece  sung  by  children  in  the 
schools,  heard  it  in  the  stores,  and  offices,  and 
shops,  upon    the   highway  and  in    the  fields,   by 


OF   REV.  G.    W.    WILSON.  127 

night  and  day,  by  saint  and  sinner,  until  the  very 
air  seemed  vocal  with  a  praise  well-nigh  spon- 
taneous and  almost  universal.  And  then  if  comet 
and  viol,  and  organ  combined,  can  touch  the  dull 
sensibilities,  and  start  into  activity  the  slumber- 
ing emotions  that  lie  dorment  through  an  hour 
of  ordinary  routine  worship,  let  all  these  be  joined 
in  aid  of  true  devotion  and  give  added  zest  to 
religious  service. 

David,  the  great  Hebrew  hymnist,  whose 
spirituality  and  deep-toned  piety  stand  out  so  pre- 
eminent in  all  his  songs,  and  so  adorned  his  life 
with  ever-during  beauty,  made  voice  and  instru- 
ment true  yoke-fellows  in  serving  God,  and  wound 
up  his  melodies  with  exhortation  to  universal  praise, 
saying : — "  Praise  Him  with  the  sound  of  trumpet ; 
praise  Him  with  the  psaltery  and  harp ;  praise 
with  the  tymbral  and  dance ;  praise  Him  with 
stringed  instruments  and  organs.  Praise  Him  upon 
the  loud  cymbals ;  praise  Him  upon  the  high- 
sounding  cymbals."  And  commingling  with  the 
song  of  God's  redeemed,  sounding  like  the  "voice 
of  many  waters,"  was  the  sweet  toned  harp, 
tohchedby  the  fingers  of  Heaven's  grand  orches- 
tral band.  If  it  were  sought  or  needed  here  is 
warrant  enough  for  the  use  of  instruments  in 
devotional  service,  and  an  abiding  consecration  of 
them  to  religious  work  wherever  and  whenever 
God's  people  might  desire  or  demand  them. 


128  HVANGELISM,  AND   REVIVAL   WORK 


GIFT  OF  SONG. 

Wilsoii  is  a  born  singer.  It  comes  to  him, 
the  musical  turn,  as  the  mathematical,  or  philoso- 
phical, or  linguistical  comes  to  others,  bound  up 
An  the  bundle  of  human  life.  One  might  make 
the  science  a  s|:udy  for  an  age  and  fail  for  want 
"  of  adaptation  or  natural  endowment  in  that  par- 
ticular line.  Many  an  one  has  seemed  to  have  a 
special  fondtiess  for  music,  and  to  be  able  to 
master  its  dry  realities,  or  catch  its  symbols  and 
hold  them  firmly  in  their  written  forms,  who  in  all 

ertains  to  vocal  mu^  were  utter  failures. 
Not  so  with  our  subject,  hexsings  as  lark  or 
nightingale,  because  the  instinct  dominates  in  his 
constitution.  Ublike  many  he  makes  no  effort,  and 
song  is  easy,  and  in  singing  it  would  seem,  to  an 
observer,  he  would  never  weary.  Then  he  unites 
with  musical  voice  and  gift  of  song  a  taste  chaste 
and  cultivated,  a  readiness  to  seize  on  those  utter- 
ances of  the  purest  and  best  of  modern  hymnists, 
and  the  strongest  and  richest  of  the  old,  and  give 
them  a  most  touching  and  effective  interpretation. 

Hymns,  new  and  old,  gathered  from  all  the 
sources  of  hymnology,  are  employed  to  arouse, 
inspire,  or  cheer,  as  occassion  may  require,  and 
are  called  up  at  will,  remembered  by  the  score  or 
hundred,  and  used  to  fit  in  every  niche  made  possible 
to  put  them  in  revival  work,  and  here  and  there 


OF  REV,  GXW,  WILSON.  129 


to  set  them  as  parts  of  a  grand  mosaic  of  religious 
beauty.  Then  to  the  gift  of  song  he  adds  the 
other,  of  ability  to  play,^  and  when  an  organist  is 
not  at  hand,  or  does  not  suit  him,  or  there  is  any 
obstacle  in  this  direction,  he  assumes  the  post  of 
musical  performer  with  grace  and  ease,  and  by 
the  very  diversity  of  his  talents  he  enlarges  the 
scope  of  his  influence.  Then  his  performance  is 
not  a  perfunctory  one,  as  too  often  is  the  case  with 
the  stajted  chorister  or  organist,  but  is  of  the  kind 
in  which  the  heart  is  aflame,  and  the  spirit  is  en 
rapport  with  the  song  and  theme.  When  exhort- 
ation fails,  and  prayers  are  lifeless,  and  there 
seems  a  point  has  been  reached  where  every  ser- 
vice has  declined  in  fervor,  and  unction  and 
spiritual  power  are  wanting,  then  the  Evangelist, 
if  he  have  not  himself  the  ability  to  call  in  mighty 
prayer,  so  as  to  bow  the  very  heavens  and  bring 
reanimating  grace,  must  stand  apparently  non- 
plused and  defeated  for  the  hour.  But  if  he  be 
an  organist,  and  have  the  gift  of  song,  and  voice 
as  sweet  as  the  chime  of  silver  bells,  and  judg- 
ment quick  to  determine  the  course  to  take  and 
expedient  to  adopt,  and  taste  tb  select  the  very 
piece  and  melody  for  the  moment,  he  is  at  his 
,,  very  best,  where  there  would  be  an  awkward 
\  dilemma  for  another  worker  ;  and  here  at  times 
ur  subject  gave  scope  to  that  fulness  of  power 
that  comes  of  a  double  gift  in  a  single  line  of  ser- 


130  EVANq^ELISM,  4.ND,  REVIVAL  WORK 

vice.  True  there  may  be  reasons  for,  and  occasions 
of,  seeming  failure,  where  any  class  of  gifts  and 
any  number  of  them  would  be  unavailing,  and 
what  under  ordinary  circumstances  might  seem 
easy,  with  other  surroundings  might  become  the 
impossible  thing  to  do.  Still  a  nice  discriminat- 
ing power,  a  quickness  of  perception  to  catch  the 
idea  of  what  is  needed,  and  is  the  very  thing  to 
do  at  a  given  time — the  song,  the  chorus,  the 
words,  the  melody,  to  use — is  important  almost 
beyond  conception,  and  may  be  classed  as  a  gift 
besides.  This  done  at  a  juncture  in  religious  ser- 
vice, and  a  whole  worshiping  assembly  may  be 
carried  up  by  imperceptible  gradation,  or  by  one 
vast  stride,  to  the  very  heights  of  religious  fervor 
and  spiritual  power.  So  the  revivalist  of  any, 
and  all  times,  must,  if  he  achieve  the  greatest 
measure  of  success,  put  a  proper  estimate  upon 
the  song  service,  and  employ  it  in  his  work  as  a 
grand  religious  force. 


OF   REV.    G.    W.  WILSON.  131 


NASHVILLE  REVIVAL. 


CHAPTER    XVI. 


*'  Faith  works  with  power,  but  will  not  plead 
The  best  of  works  when  done ; 
It  knows  no  other  ground  of  trust 
But  in  the  Lord  alone." 

N  the  morning,  Sabbath,  December  30,  at  11 
o'clock.  Bishop  Bowman  preached  the  dedi- 
cation sermon  of  the  new  M.  E.  Church  of 
this  place.  At  the  evening  hour  Mr.  Wilson  preach- 
ed. The  Bishop  said  : — "If  there  had  been  no 
deficiency  after  the  morning  effort  at  trying  to 
raise  the  indebtedness  for  the  building,  I  would 
like  to  follow  the  sermon  with  an  old  fashioned  ex- 
hortation and  call  for  mourners,  but  while  I  am 
precluded  from  this  by  the  necessity  of  the  hour, 
I  yet  predict  that  there  will  be  a  gi'acious  revival 
as  a  spiritual  result  of  the  grand  undertaking  of 
this  people  consummated  here  to-day." 

The  series  of  meetings  thus  begun  on  the  day 
of  the  dedication  of  the  church,  continued  to  the 
27th  of  January,  1884,  closing  at  that  time  with 
jubilee  services  of  great  interest.  A  large  num- 
ber (300  persons  it  was  said)  had  made  a  pro- 
fession of  religion, — many  had  united   with   the 


132  EVANGELISM,    AND   REVIVAL   WORK 

various  churches  of  the  place,  while  much  was 
done  to  quicken  to  greater  activity  all  professedly 
Christian  people. 

It  is  not  always  that  we  can  by  any  human 
means  of  admeasurement  nicely  adjust  the  bounds, 
or  certainly  reckon  the  possible  scope,  of  God's 
work  in  revival  times.  When  divine  power  is 
manifest  in  awakening  and  converting  grace,  and 
multitudes  are  swayed  by  its  force,  it  may  be 
safe  to  say  the  influence  begotten  at  such  a  time 
is  to  sweep  on  and  on  into  the  vast  eternities.  It' 
seems  almost  as  presumptuous  to  put  our  estimate 
on  the  value  of  what  God  does  in  revival  seasons, 
as  to  '♦  lay  our  hand  upon  the  ark  to  steady  it," 
in  these  exciting  visitations. 

The  Nashville  Democrat  said  : — ♦ '  The  revival 
of  religion  now  gomg  on  here  is  the  largest  ever 
known  in  the  history  of  our  city,  the  work  accom- 
plished being  far  greater  than  that  of  the 
memorable  revival  of  about  ten  years  ago,  and  it 
is  not  yet  over.  For  a  week  the  meetings  were 
poorly  attended,  but  interest  was  soon  aroused, 
and  the  numbers  in  attendance  steadily  increased 
night  after  night.  At  this  time  the  new  M.  E. 
Church  is  incapable  of  holding  all  that  come,  and 
on  Sabbath  night  an  "  overflow  "  meeting  was 
held  in  the  Southern  Methodist  Church  by  Rev. 
Mr.  Cross,  the  house  being  crowded.  Among 
those  who  have  professed  conversion  are  some  of 


or   REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  133 

our  well  known  business  men,  and  many  persons 
of  mature  years,  while  others  evidently  sincerely 
mean  to  live  better  lives." 

Again,  this  paper  said  : — "  The  work  here  has 
certainly  been  a  remarkable  one.  Men  who  have 
not  been  inside  of  a  church  for  years  have  attend- 
ed these  meetings  and  have  made  a  profession  of 
religion.  The  methods  of  Mr.  Wilson  are  peculiar, 
and  sometimes  his  talk  is  so  plain  and  direct  as  to 
give  offense  to  some  ;  yet  these  same  persons  are 
afterwards  reached  by  his  appeals  and  drawn  into 
the  fold.  He  is  a  magnetic  talker  and  a  fine 
singer,  and  appears  filled  with  faith  that  the  word 
of  God  can  reach  the  hearts  of  the  people  and 
accomplish  wonderful  results,  as  we  all  know  it 
has  done  in  Nashville." 

Rev.  D.  Caughlin,  the  pastor,  had  by  continu- 
ous and  persevering  effort,  conducted  the  church 
building  enterprise  to  a  successful  completion, 
and  now  had  the  happiness,  not  only  of  seeing  it 
dedicated  to  the  worship  of  God,  but  of  receiving 
the  evidence  of  the  Divine  acceptance  of  the  offer- 
ing: in  the  wonderful  revival  that  followed. 
Church  building  when  necessary  for  comfort  and 
appearance,  and  is  done  in  the  right  spirit,  is 
ordinarily  a  great  means  of  grace  to  the  builders. 
Some  almost  dying  churches  would  find  this  a 
great  promoter  of  vitality  and  power,  and  by  this 
method  secure  both  health  and  growth. 


134  EVANGELISM,   AND   REVIVAL   WORK 


PRAYER. 


CHAPTER    XVII. 


"Lord,  what  a  change  within  one  short  hour 
Spent  in  thy  presence  will  prevail  to  make 
What  heavy  burdens  from  our  bosoms  talie, 
What  parched  grounds  refresh,  as  with  a  shower! 
We  kneel,  and  all  around  us  seems  to  lower; 
We  rise,  and  all,  the  distant  and  the  near, 
Stands  forth  ip  sunny  outline,  brave  and  clear." 

HE  human  instinct  itself  suggests  devotion. 
The  scriptures  and  this  innate  sense  are  in  ac- 
cord. But  the  uninstructed  and  unenlight- 
ened make  egregious  blunders  in  following  the 
promptings  of  a  blind  instinct.  Such  know  not 
whom  they  worship,  nor  how  to  worship,  nor  why 
they  worship.  The  Bible  only  makes  this  clear. 
And  as  prayer  is  one  of  the  most  important  duties 
it  enjoins,  and  the  most  needful  of  all  the  exercises 
of  Christian  life,  the  scriptures  make  it  the  sub- 
ject of  most  careful  and  exhaustive  treatment.  Its 
province,  its  character,  its  scope,  and  object  are 
all  set  forth.  Some  of  its  special  characteristics 
ought  not  to  be  overlooked,  and  among  these  is 
that  of  the  universality  of  its  obligation.  It  is 
not  a  class  duty,  nor  a  caste  privilege,  but  a 
common  service  enjoined  on   all.     Prophecy  was 


OF    REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  135 

the  function  of  men  appointed  and  qualified  for 
that  peculiar  line  of  religious  duty.  Preaching 
is  a  speciality  confined  to  men  chosen  and  called 
to  that  particular  work.  Very  many  have  none 
of  these  obligations  resting  on  them,  they  have  no 
qualification  of  this  kind,  no  duty  in  such  direc- 
tion. 

But,  as  regards  the  matter  of  prayer,  it  is  quite 
another  thing.  Here  each  one  has  a  fitness  for 
the  duty,  and  a  special  need  requiring  its  per- 
formance. It  is  one  of  those  forms  of  duty  that 
is  adapted  to  human  nature  and  human  necessities, 
and  man's  present  state  of  being.  So  there  is  no 
condition  in  life  where  it  is  not  fitting,  no  state 
in  grace  where  it  may  be  dispensed  with,  no  em- 
ployment where  it  may  not  be  helpful,  and  no 
measure  of  success  where  it  may  not  give  enlarge- 
ment. 

"  In  desert  wilds,  in  midnight  gloom, 
In  grateful  joy,  in  trying  pain ; 
In  laughing  youth,  or  nigh  the  tomb ; 
O  when  is  prayer  unheard  or  vain?" 

It  is  as  much  a  force  to  the  private  Christian  as 
to  those  in  official  life,  and  puts  the  humblest  one, 
in  point  of  privilege,  on  an  equality  with  those  in 
most  favored  circumstances.  God's  invitation  to 
the  throne  of  grace  makes  no  discriminations,  and 
His  promises  and  pledges  are  alike  to  all  who 
may  call  upon  His  name.     And  success  depends 


136  EVANGELISM,   AND   EEVIVAL   WORK 

not  upon  position  nor  artificial  helps,  such  as  grace 
of  speech,  form  of  words,  manner  of  address,  nor 
any  adventitious  circumstances.  It  is  not  the 
person,  nor  the  words,  the  plan,  nor  style  of 
utterance,  but  the  spirit  of  the  performance,  that 
gives  the  quality  to  prayer.  Two  important  ele- 
ments must  enter  into  any  prayer  to  make  it 
an  acceptable  offering  to  God. 

Firsty  the  petitioner  must  come  in  proper  frame. 
Second,  must  "  ask  according  to  His  will." 
It  would  be  vain  for  one  to  expect  God  to  notice 
a  mere  address,  or  give,  in  answer  to  human-like 
dictation,  or  bestow  what  He  has  no  where  prom- 
ised us  to  give.  For  in  so  doing  He  would 
evidently  frustrate  the  very  end  sought  to  be 
attained  by  the  ordination  of  the  service.  It  is 
evident  it  is  intended  to  cultivate  a  sense  of  our 
dependence  on  the  Divine  Being,  to  lead  us  to 
humility  of  soul,  and  aid  in  the  development  of 
religious  character  by  the  most  intimate  com- 
munion with  God.  Then  every  encouragement 
needful  is  given  to  incite  us  to  its  proper  use. 
The  idea  is  everywhere  set  forth  most  plainly  in 
His  word,  that  the  things  good  for,  and  profit- 
able to  us,  He  will  freely  give.  "No  good  thing 
will  he  withhold,"  is  doubtless  in  perfect  har- 
mony with  His  intent  and  His  action,  too.  What 
is  good  for  us  ?  is  a  question  we  might  not 
always  know  how  to  answer,  hence  He  makes  His 


OF   KEY.    G.    W.    WILSON.  137 

"wiir*  the  final  arbiter  of  our  cause.  "  Accord- 
ing to  His  will"  are  drawn  the  lines  of  limitation, 
and  within  these  lines  of  the  Divine  Sovereignty 
and  wisdom  lies  a  large  range  of  liberty  to  man. 
What  God  will  do,  in  given  cases,  where  He  is 
sought  unto  for  aid  is  one  of  those  things  to  be 
determined  rather  by  results  than  our  ardent  wish, 
or  by  cases  we  may  call  to  mind  as  seeming 
parallels.  Where  he  denies  the  thing  we  ask,  he 
doubtless,  if  we  are  worshiping  aright,  will  give  us 
more  than  the  petition  claimed.  So  at  least  the 
end  is  gained  in  blessing,  if  it  be  not  in  the  be- 
stowment  of  the  very  blessing  that  we  sought. 
We  pray  for  a  revival  of  religion,  it  may  not 
come  in  our  arranged-for  time,  nor  in  accordance 
with  our  specific  plans,  and  yet  our  prayers  may 
have  answer  in  our  own  spiritual  quickening,  in 
the  improvement  of  our  faith  and  patience,  and 
in  the  final  visitation  for  which  we  asked,  when 
♦*  God's  set  time  to  favor  Zion  comes,"  If  the 
answer  does  not  come  in  the  form  in  which  we  had 
hoped,  yet  often  it  comes  as  truly  in  another  form. 
A  lady  wrote  from  Washington  Territory  :-"If 
you  should  conclude  that  there  was  a  work  for 
you  to  do  here,  above  what  you  have  already 
done,  which  we  sincerely  hope  you  may,  it  would 
seem  like  an  answer  to  an  old,  but  oft  repeated 
prayer  of  mine,  for  the  Lord  to  send  some  one 
over  to   help  us."     Yet   the  help    had    come,  in 


138  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

means  to  build  a  church  in  an  unexpected  manner, 
and  this  earnest  pleader  had  not  recognized  the 
answer,  of  her  "  of t  repeated  prayer,"  because 
the  form  of  blessing  was  different  from  that  that 
she  had  had  in  mind. 

Another  wrote: — "We  had  an  only  child,  a 
boy,  and  we  had  asked  God  to  guide  us  that  we 
might  bring  him  up  in  the  way  that  he  should  go, 
and  had  cried  mightily  to  Him  to  save  our  child 
from  the  world  and  sin.  But  when  He  did  by 
taking  our  boy  to  Heaven,  I  was  not  prepared  to 
receive  this  as  the  answer  to  my  prayer,  and  yet 
it  was."  And  may  not  many  an  answer  come  to 
earnest  and  believing  prayer,  and  yet  the  worshiper 
fail  to  recognize  the  fact  from  its  coming  in  an 
unexpected  manner,  ahd  in  a  form  so  unlike  that 
the  human  mind  had  shaped  ? 

Some  well-defined  objects  are  set  forth,  as  such 
as  God  will  be  alwa3^s  ready  to  bestow. 

*'  If  ye  then,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good 
gifts  unto  your  children  ;  how  much  more  shall 
your  heavenly  Father  give  the  Holy  Spirit  to 
them  that  ask  him  ;"  Luke  xi.,  13. 

And  may  we  not  conclude  that  with  this  gift 
comes  nearly  every  conceivable  form  of  good  per- 
taining to  religious  life,  comforting  and  sustain- 
ing grace,  and  revival  work  as  well. 

"  Holy  Spirit!  fount  of  blessing 
Ever  watchful,  ever  kind! 


OF   REV.    G.    W.    WILSO^.  139 

Thy  celestial  aid  possessing 
Prisoned  souls  deliverance  find. 
Seal  of  truth,  and  bond  of  union, 
Source  of  light  and  flame  of  love. 
Symbol  of  divine  communion 
In  the  olive-bearing  dove!" 

Then  we  may  always  confidently  ask  this  gift, 
our  greatest  good,  and  man's  surest  help  and 
guide.  Prayer  must  be  always  an  important 
factor  in  bringing  about  a  revival  influence,  and 
in  giving  it  its  full  significance  and  force.  Indeed 
it  has  brought  about  many  a  revival,  the  credit  of 
which  has  gone  to  the  visible  and  prominent  actors 
and  ao-encies  in  the  arena  of  reliorious  life.  It 
may  be  that  for  weeks,  and  months,  and  years, 
quiet,  obscure,  feeble,  and  non-pretentious  Chris- 
tian people,  have  invoked  the  divine  blessing  on 
the  word,  and  in  their  homes  have  besought  the 
Lord  to  send  "  refreshings  from  his  presence," 
and  the  revival  cominsr  at  leno^th  as  the  answer  to 
these  prayers,  was  thought  of  as  the  result  of 
other  causes.  Then  when  revivals  come  and  God's 
power  is  manifest  in  awakenings  and  conversions, 
these  are  not  from  among  those  for  whom  no 
prayer  was  ever  offered,  but  of  such  as  have  been 
the  subjects  of  prayer  through  all  their  life.  Many 
of  the  children  of  pious  parents  are  gathered  into 
Christian  folds  in  revival  seasons.  Many  an 
answer  comes,  that  has  seemed  long  delayed,  on 
the  occasion  of  these  special   visitations.     And  it 


140  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

is  just  as  much  the  answer  as  if  the  request  had 
been  given  when  the  petition  was  offered  up.  The 
accumulation  of  requests  that  may  go  on  for  years, 
finds  at  length  its  counterpart  in  that  fulness  of 
blessing  that  comes  in  glorious  and  well-nigh 
resistless  overflows  of  grace  in  revival  seasons. 
The  blessing  exceeding  the  request  and  going 
beyond  the  thought  or  expectation.  Many  of  the 
laws  of  action,  in  the  natural  world,  are  carried 
over  into  the  spiritual  realm,  and  are  asdominent 
in  the  latter  as  in  the  former,  and  although  the 
processes  are  not  capable  of  so  clear  demonstra- 
tion, yet  the  facts  are  nevertheless  apparent,  and 
the  harmony  established  beyond  a  doubt.  It  is 
the  course  of  nature  to  amplify  the  grain  sown 
by  the  process  of  germination  and  growth.  So, 
too,  it  is  a  law  of  grace  to  demand  a  deposit  of 
truth,  the  offering  of  prayer,  or  the  example  of  a 
holy  life,  or  all,  in  order  to  the  multiplication  of 
Christian  character  and  forces.  And  this  law  of 
God  is  true  to  itself  in  any  sphere.  It  may  be 
true  that  the  periods  are  not  so  well  defined  in 
the  spiritual  as  in  the  natural  world.  Yet  under 
ordinary  circumstances  time  is  an  essential  ele- 
ment. "  One  man  soweth  and  another  reapeth." 
Prayer  in  a  large  measure  may  be  exceptional 
to  this  rule,  yet  there  are  often  needful  human 
services,  connecting  with  the  divine  influence,  in 
the  fulfilment  of  the  promise   to  answer   prayer. 


OF   REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  141 

So  time  may  or  may  not  be  an  essential  element 
in  the  process  of  offering  a  petition  and  receiv- 
ing its  desired  and  expected  answer.  There  are 
conditions  when  delay  would  thwart  the  desire  of 
the  suppliant  and  the  plan  of  God  in  requiring 
our  invocations.  A  present  danger  needs  present 
action,  and  a  present  religious  movement  a  pres- 
ent and  continuous  divine  propulsion.  So  if 
one  is  straightened  and  finds  it  is  now,  or  not  at 
all,  and  all  former  resources  have  been  exhausted, 
then  the  time  of  prayer  and  its  benefits  are  con- 
current. God  has  set  no  limitation  to  His  action 
as  regards  the  mere  matters  of  place  or  periods. 
*•  Daily  bread  "  is  needed  daily,  and  we  may  ex- 
pect our  daily  prayer  to  find  its  daily  answer.  But 
if  we  pray  "  Thy  kingdom  come,"  it  is  in  expect- 
ation of  the  fulfilment  of  desire  in  a  general  form^ 
rather  than  in  a  particular  manner,  in  a  growing 
spiritual  influence  rather  than  in  present  over- 
whelming force .  Our  judgment,  enlightened  by 
the  reading  of  the  promises  of  God,  must  aid  us 
in  determining  what  we  may  expect  in  the  way  of 
present  and  seemingly  miraculous  intervention  in 
answer  to  our  prayers. 

But  in  the  midst  of  revival  meetings  to  pray  for 
the  awakening  and  conversion  of  souls  is  one  of 
the  desires  begotten  by  divine  influences  then 
prevailing,  and  is  a  petition  at  once  indited  by  the 
Holy  Spirit,  as  well  as  suggested  by  visible  objects 


l42  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL   WORK 

of  danger  and  distress.  And  many  a  prayer 
during  a  revival  meeting  has  had  every  element  in 
it  needful  for  its  greatest  possibilities  at  the  very 
moment  uttered  ;  and  has  been  a  kind  of  inspira- 
tion wherein  the  "  unutterable  spirit  groanings" 
were  feebly  voiced  by  the  human  being.  Such 
hours  all  have  witnessed  in  revival  work,  such 
matchless  prayers  have  heard,  such  tides  of 
heavenly  glory  sitting  earthward  as  the  suppliant 
poured  out  the  fervid  breathings  of  the  soul  to 
God. 

"  Sigh  then  breathed 

Unutterable,  which  the  spirit  prayer 

Inspired  and  winged  for  heaven  with  speedier  flight, 

Than  loudest  oratory." 

So  again  and  again,  the  devout  may  come,  and 
coming  may  succeed.  God  does  not  circumscribe 
by  number,  does  not  hamper  by  periods  or 
narrow  the  influence  of  petition  to  family  or  kin- 
dred, nor  curtail  our  asking  by  the  paucity  of  the 
provisions  of  His  grace  or  a  limited  capacity,  or 
willingness  to  give. 

But  He  does  encourage  to  largeness  in  every 
sense  in  our  requests,  saying: — "Hitherto  ye 
have  asked  nothing  in  my  name  ;  ask  and  ye  shall 
receive  that  your  joy  maybe  full,"  and,  "men 
ought  always  to  pray  and  not  to  faint,"  and  by 
declaring  that  "Whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  the 
Father  in  my  name  I  will  give  it  you."  These  and 
very  many  other  kindred  passages  encourage  us 


OF   REV.     G.    W.    WILSON.  143 

to  expect  large  measures  of  his  grace  and  abun- 
dant blessing  to  come  to  us  in  answer  to  earnest 
and  believing  prayer.  That  great  differences 
appear  in  the  capacity  of  persons  for  this  exercise 
is  not  to  be  denied.  Some  seem  especially  gifted 
in  public  prayer.  Yet,  doubtless  this  may  result 
in  part  from  the  cultivation  of  the  prayerful 
spirit,  a  delight  in  its  exercise,  greater  faith  in 
God,  and  a  more  literal  interpretation  of  the 
promises  and  encouragements  given  in  the  word  of 
God.  With  such  there  is  more  of  the  simplicity 
of  the  child,  less  of  human  reasoning,  more  of  un- 
questioning Christian  trust,  less  of  the  rationalis- 
tic and  philosophic  modes  of  examination  and 
comparison. 

The  Harrison  manner  is  an  illustration  of  what 
is  meant: — '*Ihave  asked  God,  and  believe 
Him."  And  do  not  such  find  that  "according  to 
their  faith,"  so  are  God's  answers  to  them. 
Pious  living,  bringing  us  near  to  God,  free  from 
all  irregularities  of  word  and  temper,  and  faith- 
fulness in  every  Christian  duty,  will  aid  in  giving 
power  to  the  pleader,  success  to  the  suppliant, 
and  efficiency  to  the  prayer  of  the  believer.  It  is 
one  of  those  duties,  the  neglect  of  which  brings 
disaster  to  the  religious  life  of  the  individual,  and 
loss  of  moral  power  to  Christian  churches. 

"  O  strong,  up-welling  prayers  of  faith, 

From  inmost  founts  of  life  ye  start, 

The  spirit's  pulse  the  vital  breath 

Of  soul  and  heart." 


144  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL   WORK 


JACKSONVILLE     REVIVAL. 


Centenary  M.  E.  Church. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


^N  the  28th  of  January,  1884,  Mr.  Wilson 
begun  his  work  in  the  revival  meetings  at 
Centenary,  that  had  been  in  progress  for 
some  weeks  under  the  conduct  of  the  pastor.  Rev. 
M.  D.  Hawes.  This  proved  to  be  the  longest  con- 
tinued effort,  and  in  point  of  numbers,  both  in  at- 
tendance and  making  a  profession  of  religion,  the 
most  important,  of  all  Mr.  W's  meetings  up  to 
the  present  time.  It  was  a  long  drawn  vigorous 
contest,  in  which  a  great  religious  force  was 
marshalled  to  do  battle  for  the  Lord,  proving 
grandly  successful  in  its  results ;  and  stamping 
the  revivalist  as  a  skillful  and  able  leader  of  the 
larger  aggregations  of  Christian  soldiery,  and 
showing  him  to  be  a  competent  manager  in  a  long 
and  difficult  campaign.  The  co-operation  of  the 
pastors  and  members  of  various  churches  brought 
together  a  strong  corps   of  religious  workers. 


CENTENARY    CHURCH,  JACKSONVILLE,  II.I.S. 


OF   REV.  G.  W.  WILSON.  145 

whose  concert  of  action  did  much  to  create  a 
spirit  of  enquiry,  and  give  forcefulness  to  every 
special  means  employed  for  awakening  and  saving 
men.  The  congregations  increased  from  week  to 
week,  until  at  length  the  seating  capacity  of  the 
church  was  exhausted  and  crowds  of  anxious 
people  thronged  the  aisles.  There  was  no  dis- 
order, no  confusion  manifest,  even  with  the  multi- 
tudes that  filled  the  sanctuary  from  time  to  time. 
There  were  weeping  penitents,  rejoicing  believers, 
delighted  pastors,  thoughtful  hearers,  devout 
worshipers,  and  a  reverent  assembly  in  most 
beautiful  blending,  and  in  completest  harmony 
with  the  times  and  services.  It  is  not  possible  for 
any  human  power  to  bring  together  such  aggrega- 
tions of  humanity,  and  hold  with  such  dominating 
sway,  and  keep  alive  an  interest  so  intense  for 
continuous  weeks  and  months.  The  most  inspir- 
ing strains  of  music,  from  choir,  or  band,  or 
orchestra  ;  the  most  impassioned  force  of  human 
oratory,  with  the  most  varied  performance  possible 
to  arrange  for,  would  at  length  grow  tame  if  not 
energized  with  a  theme  Divine ^  and  an  all-pervad- 
ing spirit  influence. 

"  One,  the  dread  rushing  Wind, 
But  many  were  the  tones  of  praise, 
Love  guiding  each  to  find 
His  way  in  music's  awful  maze. 
Many  the  tongues,  the  theme  was  one^ 
The  glory  of  th'  incarnate  Son, 
10 


146  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL   WORK 

How  he  was  born,  how  died,  how  reigns  in  Heaven, 
rjT^And  how  his  spirit,  now  to  his  new-born  is  given." 

Christ  the  crucified, — an  exhaustless  theme; 
forever  rich,  varied,  and  inviting  ; — and  the  in- 
visible Holy  Spirit,  ever  present,  vitalizing  Chris- 
tian work  and  religious  service,  will  never  wane 
in  potency,  nor  waste  in  fragrance,  nor  fail  in 
beauty  or  attractiveness,  while  men  shall  live  or 
time  endure. 

No  ;  man  is  impotent  alone, — his  words  are 
empty  sounds,  his  well-forged  chain  a  rope  of 
sand,  his  portraiture  a  very  daub,  his  melody 
simple  discord,  and  his  grandest  flights  completest 
failures,  unless  the  Divine  is  the  living,  glowing, 
moving  factor  of  it  all.  It  is  God  who  bares  his 
arm,  and  goes  forth  triumphant  in  revival  work, 
and  man  must  humbly  bow  in  recognition  of  His 
power.  The  city  papers  gave  daily  accounts  of 
the  meetings,  and  both  the  Journal  and  Courier 
dealt  in  a  kindly  and  candid  manner  with  the  work 
and  the  workers. 

From  the  files  of  these  papers  we  have  made 
extended  extracts  in  the  pages  that  follow. 

Daily  Journal,  January  29th  and  30th  : 

"  Kev.  Geo.  W.  Wilson,  the  Evangelist,  opened 
•out  in  charge  of  the  Centenary  revival  last  night 
and  showed  himself  a  real  master  at  such  work. 
The  basement  of  the  church  was  well  filled  by  a 
\'ery  deeply  mterested  congregation,  who  were  at 


OF   KEV.  G.  W.  WILSON.  147 

once  fully  captured  by  the  Evangelist.  Eight 
came  to  the  altar  for  prayer  and  several  of  the 
eight  were  hopefully  converted.  Scores  came 
forward  and  offered  their  hands  to  the  pastor  and 
the  Evangelist  in  token  of  their  purpose  to  seek 
the  salvation  of  their  souls  and  secure  a  greater 
fullness  of  blessing  as  the  indispensible  prepara- 
tion for  the  work  of  the  Master,  now  opening 
with  such  encouraging  and  hopeful  promise.  He 
is  unrivaled  in  revival  meeting  tact,  and  the  small 
multitude  of  nameless  matters  which  open  the 
hearts  of  the  people  and  put  them  under  the  con- 
trol of  the  Evangelist.  His  thoughts  are  evangeli- 
cal and  biblical,  and  presented  with  an  earnestness, 
simplicity,  and  naturalness  which  command  the 
attention  and  regard  of  all  hearers.  He  is  mighty 
in  prayer.  He  is  a  good  singer.  He  is  full  of 
personal  magnetism  which  makes  his  approaches 
to  individuals  well  nigh  resistless.  More  about 
him  hereafter. 

"REV.  GEO.  W.  WILSON,  REVTVALIST. 

"  Who  is  he  ?  What  about  him  any- 
way. First,  he  is  an  Irishman.  Second, 
being  an  Irishman,  he  hails  from  Ireland,  although 
j.e  left  there  at  so  earlv  an  aoje  as  to  have  brought 
none  of  the  brogue  with.  him.  He  was  born  at 
New  Koss,  Wexford  county,  Ireland,  '  of  poor, 
but  respectable  parents,'  and  is  now  about  thirty- 
one  years  of  age.     Third,  he  is  of  Methodist  ex 


148  EVANGELISM,   AND   REVIVAL   WORK 

traction,  of  Methodist  antecedents,  and  a  Metho- 
dist revivalist  of  the   first  order.     By  the   latter 
we  mean  that  his   whole  evangelist   work  is  con- 
ducted   upon  the  basis   of    Methodist   theology, 
Methodist   traditions   and  Methodist   experience. 
He  is  a  duly  accredited   member  of  the  Southern 
Illinois  Annual  Conference,  of  excellent  standing 
with  his  brethren    of    that  body,    having   been  a 
traveling  preacher  in   that  conference  for   about 
eight  years.     He  was  a  rapidly  rising  young  man, 
whose   wonderful   success  as   a   revivalist  in   the 
circuits  and  stations  to  which  conference  assigned 
him  early  attracted  the  attention  of  his  brethren, 
and  finally  impressed  the  conference  with  the  con- 
viction that  he  should  be  released  from    pastoral 
work  and  be  sent   out  as  an  Evangelist.     So  at 
the  last  session   of  his   conference,    September, 
1883,  he  was  accorded  the  supernumerary  relation 
and  sent  out  in  the    evangelical  field.     Since  that 
time  he  has  been  sweeping  through  the   churches 
as  a  very  blaze  of  revival  power.     Since  Septem- 
ber, 1883,  he  has  conducted  revival  campaigns  at 
Bunker  Hill,  111.  ;  Gillespie,  Collinsville,  Macon, 
Woodboro,  Clement,  and  Nashville,  and  over  900 
souls  have   been  converted  to    God   through   his 
instrumentality  since  the  date  above    named.     In 
further  answer  to  the  question,   '  What  about  him, 
anyway,'   we  have   to   say  that  he  is   of  slight 
build,  somewhat  under  ^^the^  average   stature,  of 


OF   REV.  G.^W.  WILSON.    '  ..l,  ,        '149 

sandy  complexion,  with  aTfrank,  genial,  openlike 
Irish  countenance  that  wins  you  by  its  geniality. 
He  is  a  fine  singer, — quite  the  equal  of  Chaplain 
McCabe,  as  some  will  believe  who  heard  him  sing 
'  My  Mother's  Hand  '  at  the  close  of  the  after- 
noon meeting  at  Centenary  yesterday.  He  is  a 
fine  preacher  as  well  as  a  powerful  exhorter. 
His  pulpit  work  is  characterized  by  clear  insight 
into  the  work ;  by  great  skill  in  grouping  the 
work  into  cutting,  crashing,  convicting  cumula- 
tions ;  by  keen  analysis  of  the  working  and 
motives  of  the  human  heart ;  by  ready  and  apt 
application  thereto  of  gracious  appliances  as  ex- 
hibited in  the  Word  ;  by  unvexed  naturalness  ;  by 
great  earnestness  and  sympathy,  and  by  the  con- 
stant exhibition  of  a  great  stock  of  reserve  powers 
ready  for  use  as  emergencies  arise." 

After  some  days  the  Journal  gave  the  follow- 
ing description  of  an  evening  service  : — 

*'The  basement  of  Centenary  was  crowded  to  its 
utmost  capacity  last  night,  and  a  hundred  or  more 
went  away  unable  to  find  seats.  A  more  interest- 
ed congregation  never  listened  to  a  preacher,  and 
few  preachers  have  ever  dealt  out  God's  saving 
truth  with  more  earnestness  and  fidelity  than 
did  Wilson,  the  Evangelist,  last  night.  He  preach- 
ed upon  the  Pharisee  and  the  Publican.  The 
truth  was  made  to  fairly  scorch.  The  hypocrite 
and  the  formalist  were  blasted  ;  the   penitent  and 


150  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVtVAL   WORK 

the  sincere  and  faithful  believer  were  richly  com- 
forted. At  every  service  the  great  resources  of 
the  Evangelist  are  shown  up,  and  he  appears  in 
some  new  relation  to  the  work.  Last  night  it  was 
not  his  powerful  prayer ;  nor  his  bewitching 
song,  nor  his  superb  generalship.  It  was  the  rare 
faculty  of  interjected  exhortation.  Between  the 
solemn  and  able  utterances  of  the  grandest  truths 
of  the  evangelical  system  there  came  the  short, 
sharp  and  earnest  words  of  tender  and  pathetic 
exhortation,  which  at  once  riveted  attention  to 
the  phase  of  the  enquiry  reached  at  such  a  point, 
and  operated  to  carry  a  gleam  of  comfort  and  en- 
couragement to  honest  hearts." 

On  the  10th  of  March  the  Courier  reported  as 
follows : — 

<'  CENTENARY    REVIVAL. 

*'It  won't  stop  !  The  leaders  in  the  work  have 
arranged  three  times  to  close  the  work,  but  it 
just  won't  close  !  Last  night  another  vast  multi- 
tude of  people  crowded  every  inch  of  seating  and 
standing  space  in  the  church,  and  the  interest 
swept  everything  before  it.  As  to  results,  it  was 
the  grandest  day  of  the  meeting  except  one. 
February  10  was  slightly  in  advance  of  yesterday, 
as  seen  in  the  entries  in  the  secretary's  record, 
thus :  February  10,  at  altar,  48  ;  professed  con- 
versions, 32  ;  March  10,  at  altar,  45  ;  professed 
conversions,  31.     Supposing  the  meeting  would 


OF   REV.    G.    W.  WILSON.  151 

close  last  night,  the  service  was  appointed  to  begin 
at  6.30.  Before  the  time  for  the  last  ringing  of 
the  bell  every  seat  was  occupied  and  hundreds 
stood  in  the  aisles.  Praise  service  ;  no  sermon  ; 
altar  work  began  very  early  in  the  evening  ;  the 
penitents  came  in  crowds  ;  the  professed  conver- 
sions were  quick,  rapid,  and  very  clear.  Services 
day  by  day,  hereafter.  Nobody  knows  where,  or 
what  the  end  is  to  be.  God  is  in  it.  Man  should 
keep  his  hand  off  the  ark.     He  will.     Amen  !" 

The  following  is  from  the  Journal,  and  is  its 
final  "say  "in  regard  to  Mr.  Wilson  and  the 
great  revival : 

"  CENTENARY     REVIVAL. 

"Let  us  have  this  final  'say'  about  it.  The 
Evangelist  being  gone,  we  can  now  talk  about 
him.  We  proceed.  If  we  were  his  enemy,  we 
would  feel  actually  silenced  by  the  man's  mar- 
vellous success  in  our  midst,  but  being  his  friend, 
we  are  not  less  impressed  by  the  facts  of  his  cam- 
paign. His  work  here  has  already  been  pro- 
nounced the  greatest  religious  wave  that  has 
struck  our  community  for  a  quarter  of  a  century  ; 
and  the  more  it  is  scanned  and  analyzed  the  more 
readily  will  that  claim  be  recognized.  To  be 
sure,  the  way  was  well  prepared  for  him  ;  but  he, 
too,  was  well  prepared  for  the  way  and  the  work 
which  opened  to  him  here.  No  meeting  for  the 
salvation  of  souls  ever  had  about  it  less  that  was 


152  EVANGELISM,    AND   REVIVAL   WORK 

objectionable ;  no  excesses ;  no  sensationalisms 
in  method  or  teaching,  but  simple,  plain,  honest, 
straightforward  work,  to  save  ruined  men  and 
women  and  bring  them  to  the  light  and  the  life. 
A  careful  study  of  the  man  and  the  work  reveals 
the  following  as  the  probable  secret  of  his  suc- 
cess :  First — earnest,  deep,  abiding  piety.  Second 
— rare  homilitical  talent.  He  is  a  fine  preacher, 
he  never  fails.  He  is  splendidly  equipped  for  his 
work  in  the  pulpit.  He  always  succeeds  in  put- 
ting into  the  thought  and  upon  the  consciences  of 
his  hearers  some  great,  burning  revelation  as  to 
personal  demerit,  personal  responsibility  to  God, 
or  a  loving  Christ,  which  stick  to  them  and  often, 
very  often  brings  forth  fruit  unto  life.  Third — 
great  tact.  Fourth — a  devotional  make-up  of 
rare  religious  sensitiveness  and  delicacy,  and  a 
great  stock  of  personal  sympathy.  Fifth — mar- 
vellous common  sense,  which  never  deserts  him 
nor  leaves  him  betrayed  into  follies  which  tax  the 
forbearance  of  his  friends  and  exhaust  apologetic 
literature.  Following  hence,  are  God's  blessings 
upon  his  work.  He  rallies  the  spiritual  forces  of 
a  church  into  great  compactness,  efficiency  and 
aggressiveness.  He  does  succeed.  He  imparts 
an  impetus  to  church  life  which  lasts.  He  has 
gone  out  from  us,  but  his  good  work  remains  and 
will  abide  in  good  lives,  happy  deaths  and  strong 
churches.     Amen.     The   following  is  the   latest 


Of  rev.  g.  w.  wilsoK^  153 

exhibit  from  the  records  of  the  secretary  and  tell 
a  very  comforting  story  in  regard  to  the  real 
success  of  Centenary  revival.  Total  penitents  at 
altar  529,  total  prof essed  conversions  476,  heads 
of  families  87,  male  adults  not  heads  of  families 
69,  females  not  heads  of  families  172,  under  15 
(nearly  all  of  whom  are  over  10)  148. 

"The  foregoing  has  been  penned  to  afford  many 
the  latest  facts  about  the  man  and  his  work.  He 
came  to  us  January  28th  and  left  on  March  12th. 
He  has  calls  to  Quincy,  Clayton,  Carlyle,  Eash- 
ville,  Pittsfield,  Springfield,  Farmer  City,  Shelby- 
ville,  and  other  points  in  other  states.  He  is 
also  engaged  to  conduct  several  camp  meetings 
the  coming  season.  The  prayers  of  the  Metho- 
dist churches  of  Jacksonville  will  constantly 
follow  Rev.  G.  W.  Wilson,  Evangelist.     Amen^^ 

While  other  ministers  were  hearty  in  their 
efforts  and  did  much  to  aid  in  these  revival  meet- 
ings, we  deem  it  not  invidious  to  make  special 
mention  of  Doctor  Short,  President  of  "  Illinois 
Female  College."  With  indifference,  or  even 
passive  assent,  on  his  part  there  would  have  been 
a  serious  obstacle  in  the  way  of  approach  to  the 
large  number  of  young  ladies  under  his  official 
supervision.  But  with  his  hearty  co-operation, 
and  earnest  effort  for  the  conversion  of  the  stu- 
dents of  the  college,  there  was  at  once  placed 
within  easy  reach  of  the  religious  influences   of 


154  EVANGELISM,   AND   REVIVAL  WOKK 

the  hour  a  most  promising  class  of  subjects,  and 
a  most  hopeful  and  inviting  field  for  Christian 
labor.  As  might  have  been  wished  and  expected, 
with  the  encouragement  he  gave,  the  largest  part 
of  the  students  in  the  school  who  were  not  before 
religious,  made  a  profession  during  the  progress 
of  this  meeting.  And  who  may  estimate  the  im- 
port of  a  work  which  in  its  progress  gathered  as 
its  trophies,  young  ladies  of  prominent  social 
standing,  of  trained  intellects,  and  scholarly 
attainments,  and  scattered  in  their  places  of  resi- 
dence in  every  direction  through  the  land  !  God's 
call  in  meetings  like  this  is  very  distinct  and  very 
far-reaching,  destined  to  ring  adown  the  decades, 
and  centuries  to  come,  in  notes  on  distant  hills, 
and  far-off  vales,  along  the  rivers  flood,  and 
beyond  the  seas,  to  answer  to  the  symphonies  of 
Heaven. 

"  Such  a  visitation  may  vanish  like  the  light- 
ning, but  it  will  leave  behind  : — 

"  A  voice  that  in  the  distance  far  away 
Will  wake  the  slumbering  ages." 

The  influences  set  in  motion  by  great  moral 
and  religious  movements  in  revival  times  are  not 
to  be  circumscribed  to  fields  within  the  scope  of 
our  narrow  vision,  nor  limited  to  the  lifetime 
period  of  living  actors,  but  are  to  sweep  the  cir- 
cuit of  the  globe  and  the  round  of  distant  ages. 
And  any  worker,  be  he  lay,  or  ministerial,  who 


OF  REV.  G.  W.  WILSON.  l55 

has  the  privilege  and  honor  of  effective  service  in 
revival   seasons  has  cause  for   thankfulness,  and 
reason  for  rejoicing  in   being  permitted  thus   to 
link  his  name  and  memory  with  happy  destinies. 
Then: 

"Do  thou  some  work  of  high  and  holy  love, 
And  thou  an  angel's  happiness  shalt  know — 
Shall  bless  the  earth  while  in  the  world  above ; 
The  good  begun  by  thee  shall  onward  flow 
In  many  a  branching  stream,  and  wider  grow ; 
The  seed  that  in  these  few  and  fleeting  hours, 
Thy  hands  unsparing  and  unwearied  sow, 
Shall  deck  thy  grave  with  amaranthine  flowers. 
And  yield  the  fruits  divine  in  Heaven's  immortal  bowers." 

Rev.  M.  D.  Hawes,  the  pastor  of  Centenary, 
was  indefatigable  in  his  labors,  wise  and  prudent 
in  his  management,  hopeful,  patient,  and  courage- 
ous in  the  long  campaign,  in  which  he  stood  at 
the  front,  beside  the  earnest  Evangelist,  doing 
battle  for  the  Lord.  And  much  of  the  success  in 
these  great  meetings  depends  upon  the  heartiness 
and  unflagging  faith  and  zeal  of  the  pastor.  And 
we  take  occasion  here  to  speak  a  word  in  com- 
mendation of  choristers,  organists,  and  singers 
who  did  so  much  for  the  success  of  the  revival 
meetings  mentioned  in  this  volume.  It  would 
be  a  real  pleasure  if  it  were  at  all  possible  or  in 
keeping  with  the  plan  of  this  record  to  give  the 
long  list  of  names,  that  in  this  way  did  such 
faithful  work  for  Christ,  and  so  much  that  was 
helpful  in  saving  souls. 


156  EVANGELISM,  AND   REVIVAL  WORK 

At  Centenary  a  large  choir  of  from  20  to  40 
persons,  under  the  direction  of  W.  R.  McPher- 
ron,  led  the  congregation  in  the  most  hearty  and 
inspiring  notes  of  song  from  time  to  time,  and 
thus  gave  a  stimulus  to  every  worker,  and  often 
furnished  an  almost  irresistable  incentive  to  action 
to  the  thoughtful  and  awakened  soul. 

It  is  only  justice  to  that  class  of  laborers,  who 
employ  their  gift  of  song  in  continuous  and  often 
wearisome  effort  in  revival  seasons,  to  say  that 
the  spiritual  influence  of  the  meetings  is  largely 
dependent  upon  this  service,  and  that  they  not 
infrequently  furnish  inspiration  to  evangelist  and 
pastor,  and  rise  at  times  to  become  the  most  im- 
portant factor  in  the  work. 

**  The  words  that  bear  a  mission  high, 
If  music-hallowed,  never  die." 


OF   REV.    G.    W.  WILSON.  157 


REVIVAL    CONVERTS. 


CHAPTEE    XIX. 


"  The  Saviour  smiles  upon;  upon  my  soul 

New  tides  of  hope  tumultuous  roll! 

His  voice  proclaims  my  pardon  found ; 

Seraphic  triumphs  w^ing  the  sound ! 

Earth  has  a  joy  unknown  to  heaven, 

The  new-born  peace  of  sins  forgiven : 

Tears  of  such  pure  and  deep  delight,  * 

Ye  angels!  never  dimmed  your  sight." 

*•  It  is  not  for  you  to  know  the  times  or  the  seasons, 
which  the  Father  hath  put  in  his  own  power," 

(^|>  S  touching  the  outpourings  of  His  Spirit 
^^ll  and  his  gracious  visitations.  How  mysteri- 
®  ous  the  operations  of  that  Spirit  on   the 

consciences  and  hearts  of  men  !  How  diverse  its 
work  in  the  manifestations  of  his  grace  !  His 
prerogatives  in  the  redemptive  scheme  are  as 
positive  and  well-maintained  as  in  the  realms  of 
the  providential  or  moral  government  of  God. 

*'  He  maketh  his  sun  to  rise  on  the  evil  and  on 
the  good,  and  sendeth  rain  on  the  just  and  un- 
just." So  of  His  own  purpose  and  plan  He  gives 
direction  to   the   whole   elemental    order.       He 


158  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL   WORK 

causeth  the  changes  in  earth  or  air,  the  per- 
turbations or  the  even  flow,  the  healthful  action, 
or  the  poison  breeding  stagnation,  as  He  may 
choose  for  the  perfecting  of  some  grand  plan,  to 
be  attained  only  by  these  inexplicable  combina- 
tions, whose  special  bearings  may  lie  forever  be- 
yond the  vision  of  the  finite  mind . 

Not  less  mysterious  are  the  Divine  procedures 
in  the  realms  of  grace.  A  single  object  seems, 
however,  ever  dominant  in  the  multiplied  forms 
of  divine  manifestation  in  the  affairs  of  men, 
namely,  the  securing  by  combinations  of  a  well- 
nigh  limitless  number  of  agencies,  the  greatest 
good  to  every  human  being,  and,  possibly,  to 
every  one  of  every  other  order  of  intelligence  as 
well.  Yet  in  varied  channels,  in  different  forms, 
and  in  faint  or  glowing  light,  in  great  or  feebler 
measure.  He  visits  the  heirs  of  grace.  If  in  in- 
fluences sweet  as  that  of  "Orion  or  Pleiades,"  or 
the  silent  charms  of  the  "still  small  voice,"  God 
comes  in  visits  of  His  grace,  winning  and  sub- 
duing to  himself  the  souls  of  men  ;  it  is  as  all-em- 
bracing, all-controlling,  all-pervading,  and  com- 
plete in  triumph  and  attainment,  as  when  in  form 
of  storm,  or  wind,  or  mighty  shaking,  or  cloven- 
tongues,  He  gathers  the  trophies  of  redeeming 
love.  When  he  works  His  work  of  years  in  the 
slow  process  of  growth  and  development  by  seeds 
of  truth   sown  in    the  human  heart,   and  brings 


OF    REV.  G.    W.    WILSON.  159 

forth  the  ripened  fruit  in  the  changed  character 
and  life,  it  is  as  much  God's  work  as  when  he 
*' cuts  it  short  in  righteousness,"  as  in  Pentecostal 
times,  or  with  a  Saul  of  Tarsus,  when  by  flashing 
light,  and  voice  in  the  parting  heavens,  and  by 
visible  signs,  are  seen  the  redemptive  agency  of 
Jesus.  The  child  may  be  a  Christian  from  his 
childhood  as  Timothy,  and  certify  his  claims  to 
Christianhood  as  clearly  and  incontestably  as  the 
arrested,  awakened,  and  suddenly  renovated  man, 
who  points  you  to  the  day  and  hour,  the  time  and 
place,  2indi  circumstance  of  his  conversion.  It  is 
not  the  teaching  of  the  word  of  God  that  every 
believer  should  have  the  same  experience,  as  re 
gards  mere  mental  exercise,  or  that  the  same  class 
of  feelings  should  be  predominant,  or  that  alike 
violent  emotions  should  prevail,  or  a  sameness  of 
circumstance  precede  the  revelation  of  Jesus 
Christ,  the  Saviour,  and  God  the  Father  to  man's 
inner  consciousness.  The  scriptures  establish  no 
criteria  by  which  we  could  determine  the  soul's 
relation  from  any  outward  and  visible  process. 
The  whole  thing  in  the  department  of  the  non- 
essentials is  relegated  to  the  individual  conscience. 
The  variety  of  methods  of  approach  to  God  is 
seen  in  clearest  light  as  illustrated  in  His  word. 

To  Namaan,  the  Prophet  said:  "Go  wash 
seven  times  in  Jordan," — to  the  bitten  Israelities 
the  promise    was,  "whosoever    looketh  thereon 


160  EVANGELISM,  AND   REVIVAL   WORK 

shall  live," — to  "Peter  and  Andrew"  the  Saviour 
said,  "  Follow  me,"  to  Zacheus,  who  rehearsed 
his  deeds,  "this  day  is  salvation  come  to  this 
house,"  to  the  woman  accused  of  crime  by  the 
Pharisees,  "neither  do  I  condemn  thee,  go  and 
sin  no  more," — to  the  blind  man,  "Do'st  thou 
believe  on  the  son  of  God?"  To  the  dying  thief, 
who  pleaded  to  be  remembered, — "  to-day  shalt 
thou  be  with  me  in  Paradise,"  and  of  the  publican, 
who  "smote  upon  his  breast,"  saying,  "God  be 
merciful  to  me  a  sinner,"  "he  went  down  to 
his  house  justified  rather  than  the  other  ;" — while 
Paul  and  Peter  said  "believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  and  thou  shalt  be  saved," — each  one  thus 
finding  gracious  acceptance  and  divine  relief. 
The  approaches  were  as  varied,  as  the  education, 
family  influence,  peculiar  surroundings,  the  differ- 
ence in  mental  characteristics  and  multiform  cir- 
cumstances of  the  case  and  time.  Yet  all  these, 
doubtless,  combining  in  mental  and  spiritual  exer- 
cise the  elements  of  repentance,  and  prayer,  and 
faith.  Are  we  not  disposed  to  be  too  rigid  in  re- 
gard to  forms,  too  much  inclined  to  measure  the 
religion  of  other  people  by  our  own  inadequate 
human  standard?  Did  they  manifest  the  same 
emotions,  were  there  the  same  frames  of  mind, 
the  same  physical  phenomenon,  the  kind  and 
quality  of  actions,  and  the  degrees  of  intensity  of 
piritual   conflict    as   there   were  preceding   and 


OF  REV.  G.  W.  WILSON.  161 

accompanying  our  own  conversion  ?  These  ques- 
tions are  as  unwise  as  they  are  illogical  in  their 
bearing  on  the  subject  of  the  reclamation  of  the 
soul  to  loyalty  to  God  by  simple  trust  in  Jesus 
Christ. 

"The  spring  of  the  regenerate  heart, 
The  pulse,  the  glow  of  every  part. 
Is  the  true  love  of  Christ  our  Lord, 
As  man  embraced,  as  God  adored." 
Yet  the  question  of  values,  in   revival   conver- 
sions, remains  one  of  wide  significance  and  abid- 
ing interest,    and  commends   itself  as   worthy  of 
careful  study,  and  patient,  and  candid   investiga- 
tion.    Of  what  comparative  values  are   revivals, 
of  what  importance  as  regards  the  spirituality  of 
the  church,  and  what  relative  force  are  they  who 
come  to  the  varied  church   communions   through 
enlistments  in  revival  seasons  ? 

Now  whatsoever  agency  may  beget  in  men  the 
proper  frame,  and  lead  the  mind  into  the  way  of 
approach  to  Christ  and  religious  service  most 
speedily  and  effectively, — and  succeed  in  the  com- 
plete conquest  of  the  heart  for  Jesus,  must  stand 
confessed  as  a  grand  factor  in  the  category  of 
religious  forces.  Assuredly,  measured  by  this 
standard,  no  influence  in  its  appreciable  results 
can  equal  this.  There  is  no  assumption  that  the 
regular  gospel  work  is  of  minor  import,  or  that 
revival  work  could  succeed  without  the  process  of 
preparatory  movement.  Kevival  work  stands  as 
11 


162  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL  WORK 

supplemental,  not  as  a  supersedure  of  ordinary 
methods.  But  are  not  revival  efforts  indispensa- 
ble in  fulfilling  the  highest  mission  of  the  church, 
and  in  meeting  the  earnest  longings  and  inspired 
expectancy  of  the  ministers  of  Christ?  Do  more 
persons  find  their  way  into  the  believers  life  and 
church  relations  by  the  ordinary  or  by  the  extra- 
ordinary means?  Which  is  most  effective  in 
making  converts,  the  methodical  and  systematized 
services,  or  the  irregular  and  erratic?  That  is 
which  agency  is  productive  of  most  decisions,  of 
most  cases  of  positive  action,  of  the  greater  num- 
ber of  tangible  conversions  ?  Of  course  there  can 
be  no  question  as  to  which  has  furnished  the 
greater  number  of  motives,  implanted  the  more 
numerous  germs  of  truth,  and  furnished  the 
larger  amount  of  material  for  the  foundation  of 
religious  character  and  life.  It  would  be  far 
from  our  purpose  to  disparage  family  religion, 
Sundaj'-school  teaching,  public  preaching,  prayer 
and  other  meetings,  but  the  rather  to  encourage 
greater  faithfulness  in  these  as  supplying  the  con- 
ditions to  make  revivals  the  grand  effective  agents 
they  are,  and  ought  to  be.  But  does  not  a  revival 
arousement  seem  indispensable  to  make  effective 
these  other  and  less  demonstrative  forces,  and  for 
the  development  of  the  fullest  activity  of  every 
spiritual  agency?  Do  we  not  need  the  stimulus 
of   concerted   effort,  the    vigorous   processes   of 


OF   KEV.    (Jr.    W.  WILSON.  163 

revival  excitement,  and  the  clearly  defined  pur- 
pose of  personal  appeal  for  present  decision  and 
action  ?  Then  the  whole  question  is  not  who  will 
make  the  more  efficient  Christian,  the  most  use- 
ful member  of  the  church,  the  revival  convert 
or  the  one   discipled   in  the  ordinary   round    of 

religious  work?     But  can  we   do  enough  in  mak- 
es n 

ing  disciples  for  the  school  of  Christ  and  leave  off 
all  the  extraordinary  means  ?  Rather,  do  we  not 
enlist  more  into  the  service  of  Christ,  and  into 
the  various  religious  communions  by  this  than  by 
every  other  method  combined  ?  Could  the  church 
with  its  present  management,  its  known  course 
of  action,  its  education  in  the  past,  and  its  peculiar 
environments  in  the  present,  survive  the  absence 
of  all  revival  work?  Can  the  church  afford  to 
neglect  the  "  leadings  of  providence?"  Shall  she 
not  stir  herself  for  extra  work,  when  she  "hears 
a  sound  of  going  in  the  tops  of  the  mulberry 
trees,"  and  prepare  for  the  improvement  of 
"  times  of  refreshing,"  that  "  shall  come  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord,"  and  for  concerted  and 
effective  action  when  the  "  time  to  favor  Zion, 
yea,  the  set  time  is  come?" 

It  is  safe,  and  wise,  and  profitable,  to  go,  and 
go  in  force,  where  God  leads,  and  enter  in  where 
he  opens  the  way,  and  "  possess  the  land  "  to  its 
farthest  border,  where  He  gives  the  church  ability, 
and  shows  Himself  as  the  "  Captain  of  the  Lord's 


164  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

host,"  to  give  victory  to  her  banners.  Have  not 
God's  blessings  richly  crowned  revival  efforts? 
Where  has  He  so  signally  shown  Himself  as  in 
spiritual  influences,  in  these  grandest  movements 
of  the  Church?  What  rich  displays  of  His  wonder- 
working power  in  the  days  of  Whitefield,  of  Sum- 
merfield,  of  Finney,  and  of  Maffitt !  These  days 
of  power  have  left  an  impress  for  good  on  all 
succeeding  times.  Is  it  quite  good  logic  to  say  : 
*'Too  small  a  proportion  of  revival  converts  are 
found  to  be  true  to  their  profession,  and  too  few 
are  found  of  value  as  accessions  to  the  forces  of 
the  Church.  If  a  majority  of  members  of  the 
Church  are  proven  to  have  been  brought  into  their 
present  relation  through  the  agency  of  extraordi- 
nary means,  and  the  most  active,  useful,  and  suc- 
cessful of  both  ministers  and  laymen  found  their 
way  to  a  religious  life  and  into  church  relationship 
by  this  means,  may  not  this  fact  itself  confute 
the  theory  of  the  unsoundness  of  revival  conver- 
sions, and  the  defectiveness  of  revival  work. 
Can  the  equilibrium  of  the  church's  life  be  main- 
tained in  any  other  way?  If  her  system  runs 
much,  as  it  does,  on  the  grade  of  low  pulsations, 
we  need  the  high  to  strike  the  average  from  ;  if 
we  have  a  minimum  we  shall  need  a  maximum  as 
well.  So  facts  and.  history  prove  that  excite- 
ments in  revival  work  are  essential  to  a  healthy 
spiritual  life.     The  mighty  influences  engendered 


OP  fttJV.    G.   W.   WlLSOl^.  165 

at  these  focal  points  go  forth  as  tidal  waves  of 
spiritual  power.  The  force  of  Pentecostal  power 
has  not  spent  itself  in  eighteen  hundred  years. 
Our  plea  is  for  their  positive  helpfulness  both  in 
and  without  the  church.  They  are  so  decided  in 
their  character,  so  unique  in  action,  so  clear  in 
manifestation,  as  to  compel  a  notice  and  attention 
which  no  ordinary  method  could  command.  They 
call  out  and  start  in  most  plain  and  public  man- 
ner, voteries  of  religion,  whose  religious  career 
is  known  and  marked  from  its  incipiency  to  its 
end.  The  very  boldness  of  revival  movements 
compel  an  admiration  where  they  fail  of  conquest. 
Their  helpfulness  is  beyond  the  power  of  our 
computation  !  Does  it  not  become  an  easy  thing, 
when  the  "waters  are  troubled,"  by  gracious 
influence,  and  multitudes  are  gathered  at  Beth- 
esda's  portals  to  give  assistance  to  the  comers 
there  for  health  and  soundness,  for  them  with 
adundant  helps  at  hand,  to  find  easy  access  to  the 
Font  of  Healing?  Does  not  God's  power,  his 
soul  awaking,  his  soul  converting  power,  seem  at 
times  to  sweep  with  well  nigh  resistless  force 
through  churches,  and  communities,  and  peoples. 
Does  not  this  make  the  whole  process  of  con- 
viction, penitence,  prayer,  and  faith,  a  short, 
sublime,  and  glowing  work,  to  impress  the  lesson 
of  human  impotency,  and  Divine  prerogative. 
Do  not  radiations  go   forth  from  such  centres  of 


\ 


166  EVANGELISM,   AND   REVIVAL   WORK 

religious  iuflueuce  and  activity  to  penetrate  a  vast 
area  of  surrounding  gloom  and  moral  night?  Do 
not  noble  emulations  seize  the  breast  of  fellow 
converts,  and  lead  them  to  most  vigorous  action, 
to  most  persistant  effort  to  outstrip  each  other  in 
the  heavenly  race,  and  do  the  most  worthy  and 
sublime  work  for  the  Divine  Master  ? 

Still  objectors  urge  that  there  is  too  much  of 
the  emotional,  too  much  of  mere  sensation,  too 
large  a  degree  of  human  agency,  in  such  seasons 
of  special  effort.  Then  a  common  and  well-known 
incentive  is  abundantly  supplied  in  revivals  that 
are  large  and  sweeping  in  their  movements — 
namely : — the  influence  of  majorities  on  human 
action, — so  by  this  and  other  counts  men  dispar- 
age revival  work,  and  the  value  of  such  religious 
converts.  Our  answer  is,  th^  principle  to  govern 
one  in  deciding  for  a  reformed  and  religious  life, 
had  been  supplied  by  the  ordinary  methods,  and 
the  emotional  needed  now  to  rouse  to  present 
action  comes  from  an  aggregation  of  forces,  and 
the  nearer  approach  of  revival  workers. 

The  judgment  had  long  before  decided  the  ques- 
tion as  to  the  paramount  claims  of  religion  to  the 
life  and' service,  but  now  the  will  and  conscience 
are  made  the  pivotal  points  of  attack  and  special 
pleas,  and  stirring  appeals  are  made  for  the  con- 
quest of  these  gateways  to  the  human  heart.  Mere 
concessions^  such  as  may  be  made  to  the  Pastor  or 


OF  REV.   a.  W.  WlLSOlf.  167 

any  religious  teacher  at  any  time,  will  not  satisfy 
the  evangelistic  worker.  His  end  is  attained  only 
when  present  and  decided  action  are  secured,  and 
this  point  is  reached  in  ordinary  cases  only  by 
touching  the  fountains  of  emotion,  and  this  by 
what  men  are  pleased  to  call  the  power  of  excite- 
ment. Then  the  current  of  popular  feeling  run- 
ning heavenward  need  not  be  other  than  a  pro- 
pulsive force  to  send  forward  with  accelerated 
speed  the  newly  embarked  voyager  to  celestial 
shores.  And  one  may  be  just  as  certain  in  regard 
to  the  motives  governing  decisions  under  revival 
influences,  as  in  the  dead  calm  of  weekly  minis- 
trations. Surely  the  Divine  agency  at  such  times 
stimulates  the  mental  and  moral  perceptions, 
quickens  the  consience,  assists  the  hesitating  will, 
keeps  prominent  the  highest  motives,  and  sheds 
new  light  at  every  step  of  progress  taken  in  the 
direction  of  obedience  and  a  godly  life.  So  no 
condition  seems  wanting  to  make  the  "  revival 
convert"  the  most  completely  equipped  of  any  to 
be  conceived  of.  Thoroughly  awakened,  wisely 
counseled,  fully  under  Divine  influence,  brought 
to  feel  the  mysterious  and  heavenly  force  swaying 
multitudes,  coming  in  contact  with  elements  of 
religious  power,  that  permeate  the  very  atmos- 
phere ;  why  may  not  one  start  happily  in  the 
Christian  race  mid  such  surroundings?  Where 
are  the  pulsations  of   spirituality  so   high  as  in 


168  EVANGELISM,    AND   REVIVAL   WORM 

revival   seasons?     Where  are  such  combinations 
of  moral  forces  ?     Where  does  the  soul  find  such 
exultant  seasons?    What  Divine  displays  of  sav- 
ing  grace !     What   hours  of   struggle   and  glad 
deliverance  to  glow  in   memory  for  ever  !     How 
God  punctuates  the  career  of  the  renewed  being 
on  its  first  written  page  !    .What  associated  history 
crowds  a  day !     How  the   scene   and   experience 
are  lived  over  through  a  whole  long  life  ! 
"  That  voice  which  bade  the  earth 
From  chaos  and  the  realms  of  night, 
From  doubt  and  darkness  calls  us  forth 
To  God's  own  liberty  and  light! 
Thus  made  partakers  of  His  love, 
The  baptism  of  the  spirit  ours, 
Our  grateful  hearts  shall  rise  above, 
Renewed  in  purposes,  and  powers." 


Of  itEV.  G.  w.  wtLsol^.  169 


CARLYLE    REVIVAL. 


CHAPTEE  XX. 


(?^\-tr"^E  are  indebted  to  Rev.  V.  C.  Evers,  the 
Pastor  of  the  M.  E.  Church  in  Carlyle, 
for  the  following  sketches  of  this  revival 
season.  They  appeared  in  the  Union-Banner 
during  the  progress  of  the  meeting.  They  have 
been  carefully  piepared,  are  discriminative,  com- 
pact, and  fitting  in  their  make-up,  and  we  insert 
them  entire : 

THE  REVIVAL. 

March  27,  1884. 
' '  Perhaps  no  time  in  the  history  of  our  little  city 
of  maples  has  there  been  such  a  religious  awaken- 
ing as  now.  People  of  every  class  and  type  of 
belief  are  talking,  and  while  in  this  as  in  all  other 
cases,  all  are  not  agreed  in  the  minutse,  yet  a  pro- 
found impression  seems  to  rest  upon  the  whole 
community  in  regard  to  accountability  and 
destiny. 

"  The  series  of  meetings  commenced  at  the  M. 
E.  Church,  Tuesday  evening,- the  11th  inst.,  and 
was  conducted  by  the  Pastor,  aided  by  Rev.  T. 


170  EVANGELISM,   AND   REVIVAL  WORK 

C.  Sharp  and  Samuel  Walker,  and  also  by  the 
hearty  co-operation  of  the  Christian  people  of  the 
different  churches  of  the  city.  Arrangements  had 
been  made  to  secure  the  services  of  an  Evangel- 
ist, which  was  done  in  the  person  of  the  Rev.  G. 
W.  Wilson,  who  has  recently  held  meetings  at 
CoUinsville,  Nashville,  and  Jacksonville,  closing 
at  the  latter  place  after  having  witnessed  the  pro- 
fession of  faith  in  Christ  of  some  five  hundred 
persons.  He  came  into  the  service  at  this  place 
on  Wednesday  evening,  the  19th  inst.  The  aud- 
ience was  a  large  one,  and  was  earnestly  engaged 
in  a  service  of  prayer  when  the  Evangelist  en- 
tered the  room  to  begin  his  work. 

"  With  surprising  naturalness  and  great  earn- 
estness the  work  was  taken  in  hand  and  has  con- 
tinued from  the  first  with  increasing  interest. 
The  remarks  of  the  Evangelist  are  often  intensely 
searching,  calculated  to  lead  persons  to  '  sit 
alone  with  their  consciences,'  and  come  to  a 
knowledge  of  their  own  individual  sins  and  needs. 

"  The  first  discourse  of  the  Evangelist  was  on 
the  preparations,  upon  the  part  of  professing 
Christians,  for  a  revival :  First — Get  all  out  of 
the  way,  malice,  prejudice,  unfulfilled  promises, 
etc.  Second — Have  faith  in  God's  promises. 
Unbelief  is  our  own  fault,  and  is  one  of  the  great- 
est evils  of  the  churches.  Third — Keep  the  com- 
mandments.    Do  what  God  requires.     Expect 


OF  REV.    G.    W.   -WILSON.  171 

not  to  receive  of  Him  without  doing  His  will. 
"The  discourses  have  all  been  searching  in 
character,  evincing  great  earnestness  in  behalf  of 
souls.  The  Christian  people  of  all  denomina- 
tions are  manifesting  a  great  interest  in  the  meet- 
ings. Each  mother,  wife,  father  and  friend 
seems  burdened  with  the  welfare  of  their  loved 
ones.  All  the  services,  both  in  the  afternoon  and 
evening,  are  well  attended,  and  intense  interest 
is  manifested  on  the  part  of  all  attending.  The 
singing  is  lead  by  a  choir  of  twenty  and  upwards, 
and  this  part  of  the  service  is  excellent. 

April  17,  1884. 
"  By  the  time  this  issue  is  in  the  hands  of  our 
readers,  this  marvelous  religious  revolution  will 
have  been  actively  in  progress  four  weeks.  View- 
ing it  from  the  present  heights  its  power  beggars 
description.  Four  weeks  ago  but  few  persons 
dared  to  hope  for  anything  more  than  an  in- 
gathering from  the  Sabbath  Schools,  or  a  few 
from  the  class  of  younger  and  tenderer  hearts. 
One  cannot  imagine  the  strangeness  of  the  scene 
at  one  of  the  praise  services  without  first  under- 
standing that  until  lately  hardly  a  score  of  de- 
voted workers  could  be  found  in  the  churches, 
and  most  of  these  were  the  wives  and  mothers  of 
unconverted  husbands  and  sons.  Up  to  the  be- 
ginning of  these  meetings  more  than  twenty  wives 


172  teVANGffillSM,  Aift>   REVIVAL  WORK 

and  mothers,  who  are  members  of  one  or  another 
of  the  Protestant  churches  in  our  town,  had  un- 
converted husbands  and  sons.  Now,  in  the 
praise  service,  a  leading  lawyer,  and  one  of  these 
husbands,  stands  up  and  says,  '  I  praise  the 
Lord  for  a  religion  that  enables  us  to  know  we 
are  saved,  and  that  to  such  a  religion  I  am  per- 
mitted to  add  my  testimony.'  Another,  'I  thank 
God  for  a  faith  that  has  made  the  last  five  days 
of  my  life  worth  more  than  the  preceding  twenty- 
five  years.'  A  leading  business  man  :  '  I  recog- 
nize the  claims  of  the  blessed  Bible ;  I  believe 
the  Christian  religion  is  all  for  us  it  claims  to  be, 
and  I  take  the  promises  as  mine.'  Another:  'I 
thank  the  Lord  that  as  I  have  lately  turned  to 
Him,  I  have  found  acceptance  ;  and  now  we  have 
a  Christian  home  and  family  worship.'  A  lead- 
ing physician ;  '  I  have  lived  in  Carlyle  many 
years,  but  feel  that  I  have  but  just  entered  upon 
the  real  enjoyment  intended  for  us.'  Another: 
'  Thank  the  Lord  for  a  praying  father  and  wife, 
and  for  the  Christian  home  we  now  enjoy.'  And 
so  on,  until  a  hundred  and  more  have  testified, 
most  of  them  having  started  during  these  meet- 
ings. 

*'  Just  before  the  move  became  so  manifest,  a 
Divine  influence  seemed  to  be  operating  marvel- 
ously  all  over  town.  Men  who  had  not  attended 
the  services  but  a  few  times  seemed  deeply  con" 


OF  KEV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  173 

cemed.  The  different  orders  and  societies  of 
town  were  active  among  tliemselves  talking  up 
the  interests  of  the  meeting  and  concerting  ar- 
rangements for  an  almost  unanimous  surrender  at 
the  foot  of  the  Cross  of  Christ.  Some  men  did 
much  toward  working  up  an  interest  among  their 
associates  and  friends  before  they  themselves  had 
made  a  move  publicly.  Such  expressions  as  the 
following  were  very  common  on  our  streets  two 
weeks  ago  :  '  If  you  will  agree  with  me  to  go  to 
the  altar  to-night,  give  me  your  hand.'  *  The 
prayers  of  a  Christian  father  for  forty  years,  or 
of  a  devoted  wife  for  ten  years,  or  of  a  good 
mother,  ought  not  to  be  longer  trampled  under 
foot.'  Another  marked  means  of  success  has 
been  the  earnest  manner  in  which  the  Christian 
people  have  worked  in  the  congregation  when  the 
call  would  be  made  for  persons  seeking  Christ. 
Three  of  the  leading  professional  and  business 
men  attribute  their  most  serious  reflections  to  the 
entreaties  of  timid  but  earnest  ladies  to  come  to 
Christ.  Truly  we  cannot  know  at  once  the  ef- 
fects of  faithfully  doing  work  for  God. 

"  The  work  of  the  Pastor  seems  to  be  to  have 
a  general  oversight  of  the  whole  proceedings, 
keeping  all  obstacles  cleared  away,  and  everything 
in  the  best  possible  shape  for  the  onward  progi'ess 
of  the  work.  He  is  besieged  daily  by  inquirers 
and  by  persons  in  behalf  of  their  friends,  like  a 
physician  in  the  midst  of  an  epidemic. 


174  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

"Perfect  harmony  among  the  workers  of  the 
different  churches  has  prevailed — so  much  so  that 
it  would  be  impossible  for  an  observer  to  distin- 
guish between  them. 

"The  singing  throughout  has  been  grand.  The 
choir  has  consisted  of  from  twenty  to  forty  of 
the  best  singers  of  town,  and  their  songs  have 
been  at  times  most  enrapturing  to  Christians  and 
melting  to  sinners.  One  after  another  of  that 
noble  band  of  singers  yielded  to  the  invitations 
of  mercy,  until  quite  all  of  them  entered  experi- 
mentally into  the  sentiment  of  their  song. 

* '  A  communion  service  was  held  on  last  Sab- 
bath, at  which  165  participated.  Such  a  day  was 
unprecedented  in  all  the  past  history  of  this 
place.  The  Evangelist  seems  almost  as  fresh  and 
vigorous  as  when  he  begun.  His  power  of  physi- 
cal endurance  is  remarkable,  preaching  twice  a 
day  through  the  week,  and  sometimes  thrice  on 
Sunday,  besides  the  prayers  and  the  other  work 
necessarily  attendant  upon  each  service.  Add  to 
this  the  constant  singing  while  not  otherwise  en- 
gaged, clear  and  distinct  above  all  the  rest,  and 
often  a  solo  while  all  else  but  himself  is  still  as 
death,  and  you  may  have  some  idea  of  his  labors. 
No  less  remarkable  is  the  variety  and  pungency  of 
his  preaching.  He  strictly  adheres  to  the  sim- 
plicity and  purity  of  Bible  truth,  without  regard 
Xq  the  opinions  or  prejudices  of  men.     The  grea- 


OF   BEV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  175 

underlying  cause  of  his  success  is  the  apparent 
susceptibility  to  spiritual  impressions  either  from 
the  Divine  side  or  from  the  congregation. 

* '  The  peculiar  needs  and  characteristics  of  the 
audience  seems  to  be  understood  upon  his  first 
entrance  into  the  room.  So  remarkable  has  this 
been  that  persons  have  repeatedly  asked  after 
the  service :  '  Who  told  him  about  me  ?'  He 
has  refused  information  as  to  the  wants  and  needs 
of  any  one  as  viewed  from  the  standpoint  of  a 
friend,  neighbor  or  pastor,  and  has  been  moved 
in  the  different  lines  of  thought  by  the  silent  im- 
pressions gathered  from  the  surroundings.  To 
look  upon  the  results  as  now  seen,  no  one  can 
doubt  the  genuineness  of  his  work ;  and  we  feel 
sure  we  speak  the  sentiment  of  the  Christian 
workers  when  we  say  we  are  not  disappointed  in 
him  as  a  successful  and  wise  winner  of  souls. 
May  the  Lord  give  him  direction,  and  influence, 
and  power,  and  souls,  wherever  he  may  go,  as  he 
certainly  has  done  in  Carlyle." 


176  EVANGELISM,  AND   REVIVAL   WORK 


THE    CONVERT'S    INFLUENCE. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


"  Let  us  aid  all  we  can, 
Every  woman,  every  man, 
Smallest  helps  if  rightly  given, 
Make  the  impulse  stronger." 

(f'SiJt^/-  O  man  who  wishes  to  secure  the  largest 
^^1  measure  of  success  in  revival  work  can 
®  afford  to  overlook  the  minor  agencies,  nor 
neglect  the  feebler  forces  that  go  to  make  the 
complement  in  the  roll  of  religious  workers.  He 
is  the  more  skillful  captain  whose  discerning  eye 
sees  the  importance  of  keeping  in  its  greatest 
efficiency  the  "rank  and  file"  of  every  army 
corps.  So,  too,  the  true  leader  in  religious  work 
never  fails  to  recognize  the  value  of  the  modest 
worker,  the  non-pretensious  toiler,  in  the  whiten- 
ed harvest  field , 

*'  Where  the  servants  of  the  Lord, 

A  busy  multitude  appear." 
There  are  none  too  small,  whom  the  spirit 
moves,  none  too  young  whom  the  Saviour  calls  to 
speak  a  word  or  do  a  work  to  honor  Christ  and 
help  his  cause.  None  but  with  God's  blessmg, 
may  aid  in  forceful  way,  the  greatest  ministerial 


OF  REV.  G.  W.  WILSON.  177 

leader  of  any  time  or  land.  Then  there  are  occa- 
sions and  circumstances  giving  an  added  import 
to  the  agency  of  the  feeblest  of  all  God's  children. 

In  revival  seasons  the  one  upon  whom  you  look 
as  the  first  to  move  in  a  heavenward  direc- 
tion, and  of  whom  you  think  as  standing  at  the 
head  of  a  long  list  of  revival  converts,  is  natur- 
ally enough  invested  with  peculiar  interest.  Such, 
too,  other  things  being  equal,  have  exerted  more 
than  the  ordinary  unit  force.  They  have  furnish- 
ed the  key  for  the  opening  of  the  mystic  founts 
of  human  feeling  and  human  interest.  They 
have  shown  the  possibilities  of  the  time.  They 
have  appeared  as  the  "  handfuls  of  corn  to  shake 
as  Lebanon."  Tliey  have  been  the  "first  fruits" 
of  the  coming  harvest.  The  "  earnest"  of  the 
gi'and  ingathering  of  souls  to  follow.  So  have 
served  as  an  inspiration  to  all  classes  of  religious 
workers. 

Once  in  a  village  years  ago,  the  Pastor  and 
people  had  labored  hard  and  long  with  no  appar- 
ent success.  The  meetings  had  progressed  for 
weeks,  when,  on  a  certain  evening,  the  moral 
darkness  had  become  intense.  Hope  had  seemed 
almost  to  fail,  all  were  wearied  with  many  and 
exhaustive  efforts,  all  had  been  done  it  seemed 
possible  for  man  to  do,  but  "  wait": — then  there 
came  in  sudden  and  unexpected  form  a  change. 
One  young  man  in  the  congregation  had  found 
12 


178  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

that  the  accumulated  religious  force  of  this  long- 
drawn  effort  was  more  than  he  could  withstand, 
and  now  in  this  hour  of  singular  interest,  of  doubt 
and  hope,  his  relentings  came,  his  nature  yielded, 
and  nyd  sob  and  tear  he  sought  the  Lord  and 
found  his  pardoning  mercy.  Then  with  heart 
of  bounding  joy  and  glowing  love  he  begun  that 
active  ministry,  lasting  not  for  weeks  alone,  but 
many  a  year — described  by  Cennick  : — 

"  Then  will  I  tell  to  sinners  round, 
What  a  dear  Saviour  I  have  found, 
I'll  point  to  thy  redeeming  blood, 
And  say,  behold  the  VFay  to  God." 

One  followed  another,  and  so  the  work  went  on 
until  the  awakening  and  revival  influence  swept 
through  all  the  region  round,  and  scores  were 
brought  to  Christ.  God's  people,  worn  and 
wearied  with  their  long,  hard  struggle, 
found  rest,  while  happy  converts,  with  their 
unbounded  enthusiasm  and  delight,  went  for- 
ward with  the  work.  Does  not  any  newly- 
saved  being  have,  as  part  of  that  spiritual 
heritage  that  comes  with  the  regenerated  nature, 
a  love  for  souls  seemingly  overshadowing  almost 
every  other  feeling  ?  Does  he  not  forget  himself  ? 
Does  he  not  go  impelled  by  an  inward  force  to 
seek  and  find  some  perishing  one  to  win  to  Christ? 
Is  it  not  his  experience  the  psalmist  gives  ? — 

"Come  and  hear  all   ye  that   fear  God,  and   I 


OF    REV.  Q.  W.  WILSON.  179 

will  declare  what  he  hath  done  for  my  soul." 
Whoso  active?  Who  so  loving  in  their  spirit? 
Who  so  freshly  endowed  with  power?  While  the 
Evangelist  studies  and  plans  through  the  days  of 
a  meeting's  progress,  the  ones  whose  religious  life 
has  just  begun  are  busy  going  "out  into  the 
highways  and  the  hedges,"  and  through  the 
"  streets  and  lanes,"  saying  : — 

"  Sent  by  my  Lord  on  you  I  call; 

My  invitation  is  to  all ; 

Come  all  the  world !  Come,  sinner,  thou, 

All  things  in  Christ  are  ready  now." 

The  momentum  is  increased  by  the  force  and 
influence  of  every  convert  added  to  the  body  of 
believers.  A  new  argument  is  given  by  every 
accession,  a  new  strength  imparted,  and  the  warm 
flow  of  new  blood  infused  gives  a  fresh  vitality 
to  the  body.  Then  adding  members  to  the 
family  of  the  Christian  household  means  sub- 
tracting a  corresponding  number  from  the  ranks 
of  Satan.  We  fail  \o  catch  the  import  of 
the  help  to  be  derived  from  persons  so  inex- 
perienced, so  ignorant  of  the  words  and  forms  of 
truth,  so  unaccustomed  to  the  use  of  the  ordinary 
implements  of  religious  work.  Here  the  Divine 
power  is  clearly  manifest.  These  weak  "vessels' ' 
show  that  the  "  excellency  of  the  power  is  of  God, 
and  not  of  men."  Much  of  what  the  young  con- 
vert has,  the  older  one  has  lost ;  where  they  have  no 


180  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

familiarity  with  forms,  no  readiness  in  the  use  of 
terms,  or  ability  in  public  effort,  they  do  have 
simplicity,  genuine  love  and  zeal,  and  a  freshness 
that  betokens  a  near  approach  to  God.  These 
are  the  spiritual "  babes  and  sucklings  out  of 
whose  mouth  He  hatla  ordained  strength,  because 
of  his  enemies,  that  he  might  still  the  enemy  and 
the  avenger."  It  is  not  a  rare  thing  for  one 
youth  to  influence  a  schoolmate,  and  that  one 
another,  until  whole  classes  are  brought  into  a 
new  life  and  happy  spiritual  communion.  The 
modest  workers  are  the  largest  number  of  all  the 
effective  force  in  Christian  churches.  They  num- 
ber the  thousands  where  others  are  only  tens  and 
hundreds.  They  are  not  engaged  to  gain  a 
reputation,  to  achieve  a  fame,  to  secure  position, 
nor  appear  to  be  prominent  actors  in  the  grand 
drama  of  Christian  or  philanthropic  efforts,  but 
in  their  narrow  sphere,  and  in  unostentatious  way 
are  toiling  almost  unobserved  because  the  "  love 
of  Christ  constraineth  them." 

"  Such  is  their  life  here ; 

Not  marked  by  noise  but  by  success  alone : 

Not  known  by  bustle  but  by  useful  deeds, 

Quiet  and  gentle,  clear  and  fair  as  light, 

Full  of  its  all-penetrating  power, 

Its  silent  but  resistless  influence ; 

Wasting  no  needless  sound,  yet  ever  working 

Hour  after  hour  upon  a  needy  world." 

They  have  not  fallen  into  the  ways  of  those  of 


OF   REV,  G.  W.  WILSON.  181 

age  and  more  experience,  doing  things  in  routine 
form,  or  perfunctory  manner,  but  from  a  heart- 
felt love  and  delight,  and  with  a  readiness  and 
eagerness  that  brooks  no  delay,  and  that  seeks 
for  and  makes  opportunity.  They  go  forward  re- 
gardless of  conventionalities,  that  with  older  ones, 
would  regulate  religious  action.  To  them  it  is 
the  millennium  of  life,  the  golden  age  of  spiritu- 
ality, the  banquet  day  of  gospel  grace,  and  they 
seem  to  feel  that  light  may  shine  in  full-tide-glow 
on  every  human  being  as  now  it  beams  on  them . 
The  mind  at  such  time  is  in  peculiar  frame,  the 
emotional  is  largely  dominant,  while  intense 
spiritual  activities  are  awakened,  and  all  that  per- 
tains to  religious  life  is  invested  with  a  more  than 
earthly  beauty. 

The  Divine  and  spiritual  enrobe  with  more  than 
rainbow  hue  all  forms,  all  orders,  all  beings,  all 
creatures  high  and  low,  and  once  more  creation 
seems  an  Eden.  The  world  stands  renewed  in 
beauty,  and  all  earth's  sounds  melt  into  the  melody 
of  the  skies.  Churchly  people,  churchly  life, 
churchly  service,  and  churchly  ministrations,  fill 
the  mind  by  day  and  crowd  it  in  the  visions  of  the 
night.  Then  God's  church  seems  to  answer  to 
the  glowing  portraiture  of  David:  "Beautiful 
for  situation,  the  joy  of  the  whole  earth  is  Mount 
Zion,  on  the  sides  of  the  north,  the  city  of  the 
great  King." 


182  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL   WORK 

Then  it  is, — 

•*  Zion  hears  the  watchman  shiging, 
And  all  her  heart  with  joy  is  springing, 
She  walies,  she  rises  from  her  gloom ; 
For  the  Lord  comes  down  all  glorious, 
The  strong  in  grace  in  truth  victorious, 
Her  star  is  risen,  her  light  is  come!" 
Such  is  the  "  crown  wherewith   God    crowns" 
the  convert  ' '  in  the  day  of  his  espousals  and  in 
the   day   of   the   gladness    of  his   heart."     Is  it 
strange,  then,  that  one   moved   by  so    divine   an 
impulse  should   go  forth  to  active,  loving  service, 
and  that  the  new-born   force  should  manifest  its 
winsome  power  in  drawing  others  to  the  same  sole 
source  of  "  grace  and  truth?" 

"  What  we  have  felt  and  seen 
With  confidence  we  tell 
And  publish  to  the  sons  of  men 
The  signs  infallible." 

How  numerous  are  the  agencies  on  the 
human  side  of  awakenings  and  revivals !  How 
multiplied  the  forms  of  manifestation  of 
religious  power !  How  insignificant  seem  the 
beginnings  of  religious  revolutions  !  How  feeble 
and  obscure  the  agents  for  their  inauguration  ! 
A  dim  dawn  may  usher  in  a  glorious  day. 

Let  us  learn  not  to  ' '  despise  the  day  of  small 
things,"  and  to  "  despise  not  these  little  ones," 
of  whom  the  Saviour  spake.  And  let  no  man 
count  too  much  upon  himself,  but  rather  re- 
cognize the  law  of  interdependence,  as  God's 
order,  among  the  agents  of  religious  work.     To 


OF   REV.    G.    W.  WILSON.  183 

encourage  and  vitalize  by  proper  stimulant  every 
source  of  religious  power  should  be  an  abiding 
purpose  with  every  leader.  Evangelists  owe 
much  to  converts.  If  these  were  inactive,  every 
effort  at  progress  would  be  futile.  If  the  newly 
enlisted  were  wanting  in  the  esprit  de  corps  of 
the  grand  army  of  believers,  the  ranks  would 
soon  be  depleted,  the  banners  furled,  the  force 
disbanded,  and  the  warfare  cease.  But  while 
they  come  to  swell  the  numbers,  they  come  to 
swell  the  force,  to  give  an  added  momentum  to 
the  moving  columns,  and  help  in  the  world's  great 
conflict. 

Let  us  wisely  employ,  carefully  foster,  ration- 
ally and  religiously  encourage  the  young  and 
timid,  and  make  the  convert  even  a  greater 
power  than  heretofore,  by  giving  more  attention 
to  their  important  relation  to  revival  work.  He 
shall  succeed  best,  other  things  being  equal,  who 
shall  make  most  of  every  help  at  hand.  And 
that  revival  be  the  farthest  reaching  in  its  influence 
and  yield  the  most  enduring  fruits,  which  number* 
ed  the  most  active,  earnest,  and  continuous 
workers  among  its  converts.  Then  let  the  revival- 
ist look  to  these,  for  they  will  not  disappoint  the 
expectation,  if  they  be  genuine  children  of  the 
kingdom. 

"  Scorn  not  one  drop;  of  drops  the  shower 

Is  made,  of  showers  the  waterfall, — 

Of  children's  souls  the  power 

Doomed  to  be  queen  o'er  all." 


184  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL   WORK 


OTHER  MEETINGS. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


"  Come,  here  is  work  and  a  rank  field— begin: 
Put  thou  thine  edge  to  the  great  weeds  of  sin; 
So  slialt  thou  find  the  use  of  life  and  see 
Thy  Lord  at  set  of  sun, 
Approach  and  say,  *  well  done!'  " 

ffT  is  not  for  us  to  know  where  in  our  varied 
fields  of  effort  the  most  good  has  been  accom- 
plished. "Man  looketh  on  the  outward 
appearance,  but  the  Lord  looketh  on  the  heart." 
We  estimate  by  numbers,  excitement,  seeming 
interest,  visible  tokens,  and  the  common  judg- 
ment of  those  who  have  witnessed  God's  gracious 
manifestations.  We  may  be  very  wide  of  the 
mark.  Some  seeming  failure  in  preaching  may 
have  far  more  abundant  fruit  and  better  results 
than  sermons  delivered  under  much  more  favor- 
able auspices,  and  with  apparently  far  greater 
effect.  So,  too,  of  revivals  of  religion  and  revival 
effort. 

We  naturally  sum  up  results  by  a  count,  and 
decide  on  our  success  by  evidences  that  are  tang- 
ible to  the  senses,  and  are  outlying  on  the  surface 


OF   REV.  G.  W.  WILSON  185 

of  things,  which  is  human,  and  may  seem  rational, 
too,  yet,  are,  possibly,  greatly  fallacious.  The 
measure  of  success  in  religious  efforts  cannot  be 
reckoned  up  in  order,  by  any  mathematical  cal- 
culation, nor  by  any  process  that  may  apply  to 
the  ordinary  business  affairs  of  life.  A  single 
convert,  in  a  revival  effort  that  was  written  down 
a  failure,  may  be  of  more  value  as  a  religious 
agent,  and  an  instrument  of  saving  men,  than  a 
hundred  other  converts,  of  a  gracious  work  that 
was  noted  everywhere  as  a  grand  success.  One 
thing  is  evident,  the  Evangelist,  or  Pastor,  makes 
no  less  vigorous  effort,  no  less  thorough  work, 
where  he  seems  to  fail,  than  where  he  finds  com- 
pletest  success,  and  judged  of  in  this  light,  a 
meeting  even  though  having  no  large  apparent 
fruit,  is  not  a  failure.  May  not  the  two  phases 
always  be  expected  and  be  written  down  as  the 
seed  sowino^  and  the  harvestino;  of  relio^ious  work  ? 
If  so,  is  not  one  to  be  classed  in  every  sense  as 
the  equivalent  of  the  other? 

Mr.  Wilson  found  this  two-fold  phase  to  revival 
work.  At  some  points  there  seemed  little  appar- 
ent fruit,  yet  there  was  no  less  hearty  labor, 
indeed  there  was  more  exhaustive  effort  than 
where  there  was  the  most  satisfactory  results, 
and  the  grandest  manifestations  of  gracious  power. 
Success,  or  what  men  call  success,  makes  work 
easy,  and  lightens  every   burden  of  the  worker. 


186  EVANGELISM,    AND   REVIVAL   WORK 

But  the  best  judgment  of  calm,  deliberative  men 
will  always  be  that  he  who  does  truly  and  well 
his  part,  whether  it  be  in  endeavors  to  promote 
revival  influence,  that  may  seem  largely  fruitless, 
or  in  doing  what  may  appear  at  once  to  reward 
his  toil,  can  never  fail. 

Mr.  Wilson  had  all  the  variety  of  results  com- 
mon to  evangelical  workers,  and  neither  was  pros- 
pered to  such  extent  as  to  give  him  an  undue 
sense  of  human  importance,  and  lead  him  to 
reckon  himself  infallible  in  his  work  ;  nor  yet 
was  defeated  so  much  and  so  often  as  to  be  over- 
come and  disheartened  by  continuous  failures. 
His  meetings  at  Clyde  and  Clement  were  of  such 
import  for  the  mere  villages,  where  they  occurred, 
as  to  mark  them  as  wonderful  Divine  manifesta- 
tions of  awakening  and  converting  grace. 

At  a  number  of  points,  where  revival  efforts 
were  made,  the  displays  of  grace  were  not  so 
marked,  nor  the  results  so  satisfactory,  yet  more 
or  less  God's  converting  power  was  manifest  at 
every  meeting.  A  combination  of  circumstances, 
fortuitous  it  might  seem,  aided  in  making  a  suc- 
cess in  one  case,  and  another  set,  differing 
materially  in  character,  obstructed  the  way,  and 
thwarted  the  efforts  of  the  Evangelist  and  Pastor 
in  others,  leaving  them  disappointed  in  their  ex- 
pectations of  grand  and  sweeping  revivals,  yet 
not   disappointed   in  accomplishing   good.      But 


OF  REV.  G.  W.  WILSON.  187 

who  may  decide  what  town,  or  city,  or  church, 
or  congregation,  or  people,  were  recipients  of  the 
ijreater  good,  they  who  were  satisfied,  or  those 
who  had  a  feeling  of  disappointment  at  the  result 
of  their  work? 

"  In  the  world's  great  harvest  day 
Every  grain  on  every  ground — 
Stony,  thorny,  by  the  way — 
Shall  a  hundred  fold  be  found." 


188  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL    WORK 


CARE  OF  CONVERTS. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


"Within  thy  temple  where  we  stand 
To  teach  the  truth,  not  ours  but  thine , 
May  we,  like  stars  in  tliy  right  hand. 
The  angels  of  the  Churches  stand! 
Then  when  our  work  is  finished  here. 
In  humble  hope  our  charge  resign : 
When  the  chief  Shepherd  shall  appear, 
O  God  may  they,  and  we  be  thine!" 

ffN    caring  for  revival  converts  those  churches 

with  a  settled  ministry  have  advantage    of 

those  under  the  itinerating  plan.     It   may 

happen,  and   does    as    has    occurred  in  our   own 

experience,    that   immediately   following  a  large 

ingathering  of  souls  in   the  church,  the   pastoral 

limit  has   intervened,  and   without    reference   to 

conditions    or  circumstances,    a   removal   occurs 

at  a  most  unfavorable  juncture.     And  the  Pastor 

under  whose  administration  the  revival  occurred, 

and  who  was  familiar  with  every   case,  interested 

especially  in  them,  and    could  call  each   one    by 

name,  was  removed   and  a  stranger   placed    over 

them.     Surely  where   the  acquaintance   has  been 

thorough,   the   Pastor   can   personally  do  some- 


OF   REV.    G.    W.  WILSON.  189 

thing  to  keep  and  guide  the  convert,  and  can 
train  more  efficiently  his  own,  than  another's 
children.  But  some  will  argue  on  this  ground 
against  the  work  of  an  Evanocelist.  Yet  the 
position  is  not  well  taken.  During  the  efforts  of 
an  Evangelist  the  Pastor  is  by  his  side,  more  or 
less,  giving  shape  to  every  movement,  leads  the 
seeker  to  God's  altar,  kneels  by  him  in  his 
struggles,  rejoices  with  him  in  his  deliverance, 
and  keeps  his  own  personality  constantly  active 
and  prominent.  He  begins  his  oversight  at  the 
very  outset  of  the  religious  career  of  the  convert, 
and  continues  his  watch  with  the  true  Pastor's 
interest  at  every  stage  of  his  future  progress. 
The  Evangelist  is  a  comparative  stranger,  and 
must  remain  so,  and  could  neither  take  the  inter- 
est in  the  convert,  nor  the  convert  in  him,  that 
each  would  feel  under  other  relations.  The 
Pastor  is  none  the  less  the  responsible  leader, 
because  one  is  invited  to  be  the  prominent  actor 
in  a  series  of  meetings,  and  no  true  Evangelist 
would  expect  or  desire  that  he  should  renounce 
his  supreme  authority  in  all  cases  where  final 
decisions  are  rendered.  Most  persons  will  feel 
where  the  Pastor  is  active  in  religious  revivals 
that  he  is  their  natural  guide,  and  look  to  him  in 
some  sense  as  their  spiritual  father.  Certainly 
one  of  the  most  delicate,  difficult,  and  important 
offices  of  the  ministry  is  to  care  properly  for  con- 


190  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL   WORK 

verts.  To  iiiutuie,  encourage,  build  up,  and 
develop  into  full-grown  Christianhood,  the  newly 
enlisted  disciple  is  surely  a  work  requiring  both 
grace  and  skill.  In  this  there  is  scope  for  the 
exercise  of  the  rarest  tact,  untiring  patience,  deep 
piety,  unquestioned  interest,  the  soundest  judg- 
ment and  common  sense,  and  the  greatest 
diligence  and  activity.  The  preaching  of  a  pure 
gospel,  grand  sermons,  pathetic  pulpit  appeals, 
and  eloquent  public  ministrations,  cannot  supply 
the  place  of  private  admonition,  personal  advice, 
and  daily  effort,  to  keep  and  secure  the  young  and 
inexperienced  in  the  way  of  Christian  duty  and 
consistent  piety.  The  efforts  must  be  as  varied 
as  the  characters,  as  continuous  as  the  flow  of 
time,  as  tender  and  gentle  as  a  mother's  love,  and 
all  under  the  constant  invocation  of  Divine  super- 
intendence and  guidance. 

A  very  great  care  and  grave  responsibility  rest 
upon  the  Pastor  in  this  direction.  Goldsmith  has 
seemed  to  view  this  from  the  Christian  stand- 
point : 

"  In  all  his  duty  prompt  at  every  call, 

He  watched  and  wept,  and  prayed  and  felt  for  all; 

And  as  a  bird  each  fond  endearment  tries 

To  tempt  its  new-fledged  offspring  to  the  skies, 

He  tried  each  art,  reproved  each  dull  delay, 

Allured  to  brighter  worlds  and  led  the  way." 

The  writer  can  never  forget  the  debt  he  owes 

to   Rev.  John    Anderson,    transferred    from   the 


or    REV.  G.    W.    WILSON.  191 

Baltimore  to  the  Illinois  Conference  some  40  years 
ago,  and  Pastor  of  Greenfield,  Ct.,  in  1847.  Our 
memory  holds  precious  the  man  and  his  work  in 
training,  when  we  started  heavenward  with  so 
little  knowledge  of  what  to  do,  how  to  do,  what 
to  read,  how  to  avoid  the  most  dangerous  tempta- 
tions, and  what  means  to  levy  on  as  the  most" 
efficient  helps  in  religious  life.  His  was  a  work 
of  fatherly  care,  painstaking  interest,  and  need- 
ed personal  instruction,  that  it  seems  to  us  now 
no  stranger  could  have  given.  Some  very  import- 
ant steps  may  be  taken  in  the  outset,  in  getting 
one  properly  started  in  a  religious  course  of  life. 
No  Pastor  ought  to  overlook  the  work  of  fixing 
in  the  mind  of  the  convert,  at  the  earliest  moment, 
the  importance  of  secret  prayer,  of  family  prayer, 
if  the  head  of  a  family,  of  reading  the  scriptures 
by  course,  and  speaking  and  praying  in  public. 
Then  much  may  be  done  to  strengthen  and  assist 
the  convert,  and  to  develop  one  into  intelligent 
Christianhood,  by  putting  into  the  hands  of  every 
beginner  a  few  well-chosen  books. 

Each  minister  may  have  his  own  ideal  of  values 
in  the  matter  of  written  helps.  It  may  be  a  work 
devoted  to  this  special  line  of  thought,  or  some- 
thing not  a  specialty,  yet  devotional  and  instruc- 
tive. Surely  religious  biography  may  always  be 
valuable  in  this  direction  :  and  "  Pilgrim's  Pro- 
gress ' '  oan  never  fail  to  interest  and   profit  the 


192  EVANGELISM,  AND   REVIVAL   WORK 

beginner,  while  a  volume  of  sermons,  such  as 
Wesley's,  or  Jay's,  or  Spurgeon's,  may  yield  a 
vast  treasure  of  incentives,  cautions,  comforts, 
and  encouragements  for  nearly  any  religious 
phase  of  life.  No  person  can  be  trained  in  true 
piety  without  the  use  of  the  means  of  grace  ;  nor 
can  any  one  be  made  an  intelligent  and  "thorough- 
ly furnished"  Christian  without  the  reading  of 
the  Bible  and  good  religious  books. 

" Happy  is  the  man  who  hears 

Instruction's  warning  voice, 

And  who  celestial  wisdom  makes 

His  early  only  choice. 

According  as  his  labors  rise, 

So  her  rewards  increase; 

Her  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness, 

And  all  her  paths  are  peace." 

It  has  seemed  to  us  in  these  la,ter  years  that 
there  has  been  one  special  lack  in  endeavors  to 
husband  the  fruits  of  revival  work :  and  that  may 
be  stated  best  in  the  form  of  questions. 

Do  we,  as  our  fathers  did,  look  out  the  most 
promising  among  the  converts  with  the  view  to 
their  promotion  ? 

Do  we  note  the  special  marks  of  God's  pur- 
pose to  put  some  into  higher  fields  of  usefulness 
and  effort? 

5!  And  do  we  give  such  the  needed  stimulants  and 
opportunities  to  _~fit  them  for  enlarged  tasks  and 
greater  responsibilities  in  religious  life  ? 


f 


OF    REV.  G.  W.  WILSOK.  193 


Do  we  bring  beginners  forward? 

Do  we  employ  all  legitimate  incentives  to  no- 
ble, Christian  action? 

Do  we  burden  the  growing  converts  with  the 
crying  wants  of  earth,  and  open  up  to  them  the 
vision  of  the  possibilities  of  life,  with  the  assur- 
ance of  the  great  rewards  of  Heaven  ?  and  are  we 
special  and  personal  in  our  efforts  to  lead  them 
toward  that  point  that  God's  providence  may 
seem  to  indicate  should  be  their  aim  ? 

We  do  not  say  that  the  Church  calls  men  to 
the  sacred  office  of  the  ministry ;  but  we  do  be- 
lieve the  Church  can  open  fields  of  usefulness 
can  urge  the  timid  forward,  can  influence  the 
mind  in  a  given  direction,  can  help  the  anxious 
and  conscientious  inquirer,  and  can  in  some  sense 
give  voice  to  the  calls  of  God. 

From  some  cause,  is  not  the  proportion  of 
converts  going  into  the  Christian  ministry  below 
that  of  former  years,  and  far  below  what  a  reas- 
onable expectation  might  demand? 

Do  we  as  pastors  look  to  our  privilege  and  duty 
in  this  matter  with  the  care  and  interest  they 
demand? 

How  many  preachers  come  from  our  revivals? 
Rather,  how  few  come  from  so  many  and  so  ex- 
tensive revivals? 

How  many  of  these  young  people  catch  the     in 
spiration  of   evangelistic  fire,  to  send    them  forth 
13 


194  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL  WORK 

into  the  great  open  fields,  where  multitudes  are 
"  perishing  for  lack  of  knowledge"? 

Pastors  ought  to  create  the  very  atmosphere 
that  brings  the  inspiration  to  the  young  ! 

Is  not  the  race  of  ministers  dying  out?  Some 
denominations  are  mourning  a  dearth  in  this  di- 
rection. Many  churches  in  Christendom  are 
wanting  pastors,  to  say  nothing  of  the  destitution 
of  a  thousand  million  of  pagan  people.  The 
Saviour  said  : — "  Pray  ye,  the  Lord  of  the  har- 
vest," etc.  But  do  we  pray?  Rather,  do  we 
not  wait,  and  hope  that  God  will  work  without 
our  call? 

Are  ministers  coming  forth  to  bless  the  world 
in  answer  to  our  earjiest  prayer  to  God  to  call 
and  send  them  forth?  In  our  mind,  there  is  no 
distinct  recollection,  in  thirty-five  years  of  minis- 
terial experience,  of  the  prayer  of  any  pastor,  in 
which  there  was  the  earnest  plea  that  God  would 
call  some  member  of  his  congregation  to  be  a 
minister  of  the  gospel.  And  yet  it  is  just  as  legi- 
timate as  a  thousand  prayers  a  thousand  pastors 
offer  every  day,  and  vastly  more  important. 
May  we  follow  this  line  of  work  earnestly  as  the 
times  demand.  Thus  far  we  have  viewed  this 
subject  solely   in  the  light  of  pastoral  oversight. 

In  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  more  than 
in  some  other  communions  the  lay  element  be- 
comes an  important  factor  in  giving  direction  to 


OF   REV.    a.    W.  WILSON.  195 

newly  enlisted  disciples,  and  in  leading  them  for- 
ward in  religious  enlargement  and  progress. 

From  the  fact  of  frequent  removals  of  pastors, 
a  larger  degree  of  responsibility  must  rest  on  local 
churches.  The  members  must  be  sub-pastors, 
and  especially  all  capable  of  giving  counsel,  and  ex- 
perienced in  a  Godly  life  should  take  part  in  training 
and  moulding  the  Christian  character  of  every  one 
coming  into  Church  relationship,  and  should 
each  bear  a  burden  of  interest  and  care  for  the 
well-being  of  these  feeble  and  inexperienced  ones. 
The  failure  often,  to  reap  rich  results  from  revi- 
vals, does  not  lie  in  the  want  of  thoroughness  of 
the  work,  nor  lack  of  pastoral  interest,  nor  the 
perversity  of  the  material,  but  in  the  want  of 
efficient  and  faithful  helpers  among  the  laymen 
of  the  Church.  These  ought  to  be  foremost  in 
every  work  for  good.  They  ought  to  incite  to 
activity  by  example,  be  conscientious  in  motives, 
religious  from  principle,  exact  in  their  dealing, 
and  in  every  sense  consistent  with  their  profession . 
Then  the  older  should  give  evidence  of  being  in 
an  advanced  state  of  spirituality,  and  thus  invite 
others  to  seek  for  higher  attainments  in  grace. 
With  such  life  there  will  not  be  wanting  a  readi- 
ness to  counsel  or  warn,  nor  a  lack  of  example 
for  such  as  are  striving  to  shape  their  religious 
life  by  a  personal  and  accessible  model.     All  will 


196  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

seek  human  guidance,  and  will  be  governed  more 
or  less  by  others. 

"  When'er  a  noble  deed  is  wrought, 

When'er  is  spoken  a  noble  thought, 

Our  hearts  in  glad  surprise 

To  higher  levels  rise. 

The  tidal  wave  of  deeper  souls 

Into  our  inmost  being  rolls, 

And  lifts  us  unawares 

Out  of  all  meaner  cares." 

Is  it  not  often  the  case  that  professed  Christians 
live  on  so  low  a  level  as  to  give  no  encourage- 
ment to  the  younger  to  hope  for,  or  expect,  any 
appreciable  progress  in  religious  experience,  or 
practical  piety.  Can  the  stream  rise  above  the 
fountain  ?  Or  can  we  expect,  ordinarily,  that  those 
who  come  into  the  Church  will  do  otherwise  than 
shape  their  course  by  the  ones  already  in  it,  and 
who  are  their  natural  guides  ?  If  we  would  attain 
perfection,  we  must  have  a  perfect  model.  If  all 
would  "follow  Christ,"  such  an  exemplar^  all 
would  have,  but  instead  of  this,  men  take  his 
representatives,  such  as  bear  His  name,  and  fol- 
low them.  But  to  garner  the  fruits  of  a  revival, 
there  must  not  only  be  a  class  with  proper  char- 
acteristics, but  there  must  be  continuous  effort 
besides.  Too  many  seem  to  think  when  the  sea- 
son of  special  effort  is  past  the  work  of  the 
Church  is  done.  No,  it  is  but  begun  !  It  is  more 
to  keep^  at  times,  than  it  is  to  acquire. 


OF   REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  197 

Great  care,  universal  interest,  patient  efforts, 
kindly  forbearance  and  daily  watching,  on  the 
part  of  those  of  experience,  will  do  much  to  make 
any  earnest  endeavor  a  success.  And  a  disposi- 
tion of  helpfulness  will  always  meet  with  greater 
or  less  reward  in  its  endeavors. 

"Joined  hand  in  hand  are  we ; 

With  earnest  fear 
Let  each  the  other  strengthen  in  his  need ; 
In  this  strange  land  we  brothers  are  indeed. 
It  will  not  always  last, 

Therefore  be  brave ! 
And  soon  we  all  shall  be 
Across  the  wave!" 

Great  differences  are  found  in  the  success  of 
churches  in  their  care  of  converts.  Of  a  given 
number,  received  in  different  charges,  a  large  or 
small  per  cent  will  be  finally  numbered  as  per- 
manent and  valuable  accessions,  depending  on  the 
character  of  the  members  of  the  local  church,  and 
their  manner  of  caring  for  and  training  the  young. 

Often  as  regards  a  society,  the  danger  to  the 
convert  lies  in  the  direction  of  weakness  of  relig- 
ious principle,  shallowness  of  Christian  experience, 
and  a  fickleness  of  a  large  portion  of  this  given 
membership.  The  writer  had  occasion  once  to 
witness  the  demoralizing  effect  upon  many  young 
persons,  and  young  converts  as  well,  by  the  lead- 
ership of  a  majority  of  influential  members  of 
the  Church    setting  forward,  and  making  these 


198  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

young  persons  the  active  agents  in  canvassing  the 
village  for  the  sale  of  tickets  for  a  church  raffle. 
There  are  times  when  to  be  true  would  cost  the 
Christian  an  effort,  and  some  obloquy,  too, — but 
to  be  false  would  result  in  the  shipwreck  of  faith 
and  the  entailment  of  vast  injury  on  many  who 
had  here  sought  for  a  model  of  life. 

Happy  if  the  professed  believer  would  always 
hold  the  vantage  ground  in  religious  life,  made 
possible  to  him  !  It  is  a  grand  thing  to  move  on 
the  plane  of  correct  morals,  conscientious  action, 
well-defined  Scriptural  principles,  and  a  clear, 
consistent  piety. 

"Art  thou  faithful?  then  oppose 

Sin  and  wrong  with  all  thy  might ; 
Care  not  how  the  tempest  blows, 

Only  care  to  win  the  fight. 
Fight,  though  it  may  cost  thy  life ; 
Storm  the  kingdom,  but  prevail; 
Let  not  Satan's  fiercest  strife 
Make  thee  ever  faint  or  quaU." 

Class  leaders,  stewards,  deacons,  elders,  and  all 
official  members  ought  to  be  examples  in  holy  liv- 
ing, and  to  feel  a  constant  and  lively  interest  in 
every  pilgrim  starting  heavenward.  But  all 
unofficial  Christians,  be  they  male  or  female,  should 
feel  the  possibility  of  a  grand  success  to  them  in 
the  department  of  training  the  convert  for  a  use- 
ful and  successful  religious  career.  "Bear  ye 
one  another's  burdens,  and  so  fulfill  the  law  of 
Christ." 


OF  REV.    G.    W.    WILSON. 


199 


"  So  is  it  with  true  Christian  hearts; 
Their  mutual  share  in  Jesus'  blood 
An  everlasting  bond  imparts, 
Of  holiest  brotherhood; 
O!  might  we  all  our  lineage  prqye^    / 
Give  and  forgive,  do  good  and  love, 
By  soft  endearments  in  kind  strife 
Lightening  the  load  of  daily   ife." 


200  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL   WORK 


INCIDENTS 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 


[[F  CARE  had  been  taken  to  preserve  these 
happenings  a  large  grouping  might  have  been 
made  under  this  head.  The  striking  episodes 
of  revival  work  are  both  pleasing  and  instructive, 
and  are  largely  illustrative  of  differences  and  simil- 
itudes in  the  mental  and  moral  make-up  of  men, 
as  exhibited  when  acted  on  by  the  Divine  Spirit 
in  seasons  of  gracious  visitation.  Here  we  get  the 
natural  and  unstudied  expression,  the  simple  and 
inartificial  action,  the  passionate  and  the  passion- 
less form  of  delivery,  the  wildest  and  rudest  out 
bursts  of  sin,  and  the  quietest  and  sweetest  utter 
ances  of  the  saved  and  purified  heart.  Here  one 
may  see  the  soul  at  rest,  or  tossed,  as  moved  by 
the  wildest  winds  of  passion.  Here  the  deepest 
notes  of  wailing  may  be  heard  that  may  fall  on 
human  ear,  this  side  the  sob  and  sigh  of  utter 
hopelessness,  and  sounds  of  the  most  extatic  joy 
that  may  be  voiced  outside  the  glory  world.  A 
perfect  kaleidoscope  of  emotional  life  may  be 
found    in  the    many-sided,  many-colored,   frag- 


OF   REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  201 

meutaiy  bits  that  one  may  leather  in  a  long  experi- 
ence in  revival  work.  They  glow  like  sparks  from 
the  cold,  but  smitten  steel,  and  tell  of  the  spirit's 
touch  and  power.  Some  of  these  scraps,  cooled 
by  time,  and  dimmed  by  handling,  are  set  before 
the  reader  here. During  a  meeting,  one  physi- 
cian said  to  another,  "  It  will  take  a  tall  Method- 
ist to  bring  me  down." 

Mr.  Wilson,  during  a   praise   service,  sang  as 
a  solo  : 

*'  I  was  once  far  away  from  the  Saviour, 

And  as  vile  as  a  sinner  could  be, 
I  wondered  if  Christy  the  Redeemer 
Could  save  a  poor  sinner  like  me ! 

I  wandered  on  in  the  darkness, 

Not  a  ray  of  light  could  I  see ; 
And  the  thought  filled  my  heart  with  sadness, 

There  is  no  hope  for  a  sinner  like  me,"  etc. 

Under  the  influence  of  this  song  the  strong 
man  yielded ;  went  home,  could  not  sleep,  came 

the  next  evening  and  was  happily  converted. 

A  young  lady  of  skeptical  views  made  light  of  the 
revival  in  progress.  She  was  induced  to  attend 
the  meetings,  yet  after  several  nights  no  impres- 
sion seemed  to  be  made.  At  this  time  one  of 
the  children  in  her  school,  a  beautiful  boy,  seven 
years  of  age,  dropped  dead  on  the  school-room 
floor.  This  providence  touched  her  heart.  After 
a  few  nights,  without  solicitation,  she  came  to  the 
altar,  and  falling  into  a  trance-like  state  she  re- 


202  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL,    WORK 

mained  in  the  church  until  2  o'clock  in  the  morn 
ing,  when  her  friends  removed  her  to  a  neighbor 
ing  residence.  She  came  out  of  this  state  with  a 
heavenly  smile  upon  her  face  and  praises  upon 
her  lips.  When  asked  if  she  .wished  to  speak 
she  said:  "I  know  now  that  there  is  a  God,  a 
Heaven  and  Hell,  and  eternity,  and  that  Jesus 

saves  me." A  Polander  came  into  the  meeting, 

became  deeply  convicted,  and  although  he  could 
not  speak  a  word  of  English,  after  a  severe  strug- 
gle was  happily  converted  to  God. One  man  was 

converted  who  had  lived  for  years  within  six  miles 
of  the  church,  yet  had  never  heard  a  gospel  ser- 
mon in  his  life. Atthe  closing  service  the  most 

avowed  infidel  of  the  community  came  to  the 
altar  and  said :  "I  am  not  here  for  mockery ;  if 
there  is  anything  in  this  for  me,  I  want  it.  I 
dread  the  thought  of  annihilation,  and  if  there  is 
any  hell,  I  would  rather  go  there  than  cease  to 
exist." Miss  R said  :  "At  the  commence- 
ment of  this  meeting  these  words  were  ringing  in 
my  ears,  '  Is  Jesus  mine?'  Now  these  are  ringing 

in  my  ears,  '  Jesus  is  mine.  '  " A  doctor  said  : 

"  If  you  do  not  want  what  we  enjoy,  don't  come 

to  the  Houseof  God." AtS ,  Miss  P , 

bowed  at  the  altar  during  an  afternoon  service. 
Through  fast  falling  tears  she  looked  up,  and  with 
melodious  voice  commenced  singing,  during  a  sea 
son  of  silent  prayer : 


OF   REV.    G.    W.    WILSO^.  20B 

"  He  takes  me  as  I  am." 

—A  young  lady  deeply  moved  was  earnestly  in 
vited  by  her  sister  to  come  and  seek  religion,  but 
could  not  be  prevailed  upon  to  do  so.     Before  the 
Sabbath   following  her  opportunites  had  closed. 

She  was  in  eternity. At  S ,  the  third  night, 

twenty-one  persons  were  converted,  and  the  meet- 
ing continued  until  midnight.  Dr.  D ,  sup- 
posing something  unusual  was  going  on,  was 
about  to  dress  and  go  to  the  church,  when  his  three 
sons  came  rushing  into  the  room,  and  throwing 
their  arms  around  him,  exclaimed,  "  O,  Pa,  I  am 

saved.     So  am  I,  and  I  am  too." A  little  girl 

came  forward  as  a  seeker,  and  after  a  happy  con- 
version, said  :     "I  knew  I  would  be  blessed,  for 

I  knew  Jesus  would  meet  me  half  way." At 

J ,  an  old  lady,  who  had  passed  through  severe 

afflictions  and  had  been  unable  to  become  recon- 
ciled to  the  providence  of  God,  during  the  ser- 
mon received  light  and  help,  and  went  away  from 
God's  house  weeping  for  joy  at  the  blessing  re- 
ceived.  At  C ,  the  son  of  a  minister  who  had 

apostatized,  was  loud  in  the  expressions  of  his 
infidel  sentiments.  For  this  he  was  reproved,  at 
which  he  became  very  angry ,  yet  conviction  seized 
him  in  the  midst  of  his  passion,  and  the  follow- 
ing evening  he  came  penitently,  and  was  happily 

converted. At  N ,  a  man  came  half  an  hour 

before  meeting.     Said  he  wanted  to  be  converted  ; 


204  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

came  forward  on  the  first  invitation  ;  was  soon 
blessed  ;  was  asked  to  stay,  but  said :  "  I've  got- 
ten what  I  came  for,  and  I  must,  go  and  tell  my 

mother." While  the  Evangelist  was  preaching 

a  certain  evening  on  the  subject  of  "  Believe,"  a 
man  in  the  congregation  suddenly  arose  to  his 
feet,  clapped  his  hands  and  exclaimed,  "O  !  glory, 
I've  found  him.  O!  glory,  I've  found  him." 
With  this  such  a  wave  of  Divine  influence  swept 
over  the  congregation  that  the  preaching  ceased, 
and  the  altar  was  at  once  crowded  with  seekers. 

At  J ,  a  man  77  years  of  age  was  converted. 

His  career  had  been  an  eventful  and  sinful  one, 
though  he  had  always  had  faith  in  the  Bible,  and 
would  never  allow  persons  to  ridicule  religion  in 
his  presence.  He  is  a  man  of  wealth,  and  has 
begun  his  religious  life  with  generous  deeds.  He 
said  to  the  writer,  "My  change  is  so  great  it  is 
a  perfect  marvel  to  me,  and  I  shall  henceforth 
employ  my  means    and   time  in  this    delightful 

service." At  one  point  of  Mr.  W.'s  work  there 

were  four  preachers  rejoicing  in  the  conversion  of 

their  entire  families. An  old  skeptic  and  opposer 

of  religion,  said  in  the  presence  of  his  son,  "I 
have  been  under  the  drippings  of  the  sanctuary 
for  twenty  years."  "  Yes,"  said  the  son,  "  but 
father,  they  have  been  very  dry  of  late  years." 

At  one  place  an  infidel  began  abusing  Mr.  W. 

A  man,  standing  by,  said,  "  I  am  a  Catholic,  but  I 


OF   REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  205 

stand  up  for  any  man  who  takes  the  part  of  the 

Lord  Jesus  against  infidelity." At  N — ,  while 

working  in  the  congregation,  Mr.  W.  came  across 
a  young  man,  who,  when  asked  about  God,  said 
he  didn't  know  anything  about  Him  ;  in  regard 
to  Heaven,  said  he  didn't  know  there  was  such  a 
place  ;  about  hell,  didn't  know  about  that.  The 
Evangelist  stopped  the  singing  and  asked  every- 
body to  pray  for  a  heathen  young  man  he  had 
found  in  this  Christian  land.  The  next  evening 
he  was  found  in  tears,  asking  religious  people  to 
pray  for  him,  and  was  soon  happily  converted. 
Through  his  agency  his  father,  and  brother,  and 
sisters  were  brought  to  Christ  during  the  meeting. 


206  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL   WORK 


THE  CHILD  IN  REVIVALS- 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


"Take  care  of  the  children,  nor  wasted 

Is  care  on  the  weakest  of  these ; 
The  culturer  the  product  has  tasted, 

And  found  it  the  palate  to  please. 
There  are  sheaves  pushing  higher  and  faster, 

And  age  has  more  branches  and  roots, 
But  dearer  are  none  to  the  Master 

Than  childhood,  in  blossoms  and  fruits!  " 

— Tappan. 

^HERE  is  recently  a  waking  up  among  Chris- 
tian people  in  regard  to  the  subject  of  the 
religious  training  of  children,  and  touching 
the  relation  of  the  believer's  child  to  the  Church. 
And  is  it  not  strange  that  a  question  of  such  im 
port  should  ever  have  been  measurably  obscured, 
partially  overlooked,  or  in  any  sense  underesti- 
mated in  Christian  communions? 

Of  all  the  denominations  the  Roman  Catholic 
has  kept  most  prominently  in  view  the  important 
bearing  of  the  religious  training  of  the  child  upon 
the  future  of  the  Church,  and  has  faithfully 
watched,  and  carefully  indoctrinated,  all  of  the 


OF    REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  207 

young  coming  under  its  direct  supervision.  In 
this  there  is  shown  a  commendable  spirit,  and  is 
furnished  an  example  worthy  of  imitation  by  all 
Protestant  people.  As  we  think  of  this  question 
in  its  various  phases,  its  magnitude  becomes  more 
apparent  at  each  step  of  our  progress,  and  our 
interest  increases  as  we  approach  more  nearly  the 
subject  of  the  child  in  the  Church,  and  the  child 
in  revivals. 

In  seeking  to  find  in  partial  manner  the  value 
of  childhood  as  connected  with  the  question  of 
religious  life,  and  possible  destiny,  we  have  been 
led  to  examine  the  subject  in  a  three-fold  light. 

1st.  In  regard  to  numbers. 

2nd.   Touching  the  moral   quality  of  children. 

3rd.    The  possible  influence  of  children. 

First,  Or  Their  Number.  A  very  large  part 
of  all  of  our  race  is  to  be  embraced  in  that  divi- 
sion including  only  the  children.  The  largest  part 
doubtless  of  the  saved  and  glorified  throng  will 
be  composed  of  those  who  on  earth,  were  in  in- 
fantile years.  We  make  no  account  of  statis- 
tics, for  we  assume  that  even  the  best  calculations 
are  far  from  infallible  here,  for  in  this  count, 
there  is  a  domain  not  possible  for  statistics  to 
reach. 

In  Persia  seven-tenths  of  all  the  born  children 
die  while  they  are  infants.  In  China,  and  other 
Eastern  countries,  the  female  children  are  cruelly 


208  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

exposed,  or  in  many  cases  summarily  put  to  death, 
and  in  any  land  the  destruction  of  life  by  disease, 
or  neglect,  or  wilfulness,  is  appallingly  great 
among  the  children.  This  may  not  be  by  ordi- 
nation, yet  it  is  so  by  God's  permission,  and  will 
result  to  his  ultimate  glory  in  the  salvation  of 
men.  At  least  millions  of  human  beings  are  born 
only  to  breathe  and  die,  or  be  removed  before  the 
age  of  personal  responsibility  arrives,  and  thus 
with  no  risks  but  such  as  the  Saviour  assumed,  to 
be  at  once  removed  beyond  all  possible  danger,  to 
the  same  fruition  attained  by  the  accountable  be- 
liever. So  we  come  to  find  that  of  all  the  saved^ 
unless  future  times  shall  disclose  a  state  of  things 
in  God's  gracious  economy  widely  differing  from 
the  present,  the  greatest  number  of  those  re- 
deemed from  earth  and  gathered  home  to  Heaven 
will  be  composed  of  such  as  when  on  earth  were 
in  infant  life.  We  wonder  not  that  as  this 
thought  pressed  forward  for  recognition,  John  in 
his  apocalyptic  vision  saw  that  the  "  small  and 
great ' '  were  gathered  at  the  Judgment  Seat.  To 
us  a  significant  fact  appears  in  the  phraseology  of 
the  passage  quoted,  "  small  and  great."  John 
puts  it  as  if  the  "small"  were  Jirst,  in  every 
sense,  both  as  to  numbers  and  importance. 

Others  may  not  incline  to  estimate  the  value  of 
childhood  by  the  immensity  of  the  number  of  the 
children,  and  the  saved  numbers  as  well,  but  the 


■^ 


OF   REV.  G.  W.  WILSON.  209 

fact  forces  itself  upon  our  mind  for  recognition, 
as  one  of  the  wonders  of  the  redemptive  scheme, 
redounding  to  the  glory  of  Him  who  is  to  "  see 
the  travail  of  His  soul  and  be  satisfied." 

"O  sight  sublime,  O  sight  of  fear! 
The  shadowing  of  infinity ! 
Numbers  whose  murmur  rises  here 
Like  whisperings  of  the  mightj"^  sea!  " 

Again  we  think  of  the  child  as  regards : 
Second.  Its  Moral,  Quality.    Children  are  not 
sinful  in  the  sense  that  grown-up  people  are,  not 
so  by  choice.     Nor  do  the  Scriptures  ever  teach 
such  horrid  doctrine. 

David  said,  speaking  of  his  departed  child: — 
"  I  shall  go  to  it," — recognizing  its  qualification 
and  fitness  for  the  heavenly  world.  God  said  to 
Jonah  : — "Should  not  I  spare  Ninevah,  that  great 
city,  wherein  are  more  than  six  score  thousand 
persons  that  cannot  discern  between  their  right 
hand  and  their  left  hand."  Then  look  at  the 
treatment  of  them  by  the  Saviour  when  in  the 
world,  signifying  his  estimate  of  their  moral 
character,  both  by  his  impressive  words  and  im- 
portant acts.  "He  took  them"  to  his  bosom  as 
unspotted  human  beings,  and  "blessed  them  in 
his  own  and  in  his  father's  name."  Then  in  His 
teaching  he  made  them  the  typical  Christian 
character,  demanding  that  all   true  Christianhood 

should  assume  this  childlike  form. 
14 


210  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

Said  the  disciples: — "Who  is  the  greatest  in 
the  kingdom  of  heaven? 

"  2.  And  Jesus  called  a  little  child  unto  him, 
and  set  him  in  the  midst  of  them, 

"  3.  And  said,  verily  I  say  unto  you,  except  ye 
be  converted,  and  become  as  little  children,  ye 
shall  not  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

'*  4.  Whosoever  therefore  shall  humble  himself 
as  this  little  child,  the  same  is  greatest  in  the 
kingdom  of  heaven. 

"5.  And  whoso  shall  receive  one  such  little 
child  in  my  name  receiveth  me. 

"6.  But  whoso  shall  offend  one  of  these  little 
ones  which  believe  in  me,  it  were  better  for  him 
that  a  millstone  were  hanged  about  his  neck,  and 
that  he  were  drowned  in  the  depth  of  the  sea;" 
Matt,  xviii. 

And  when  the  cold  and  heartless  scribe  and 
formal  priest  rebuked  the  children  for  their  art- 
less and  glad  "Hosannas  to  the  son  of  David," 
making  the  Temple  ring  with  their  hearty  praise, 
"  Jesus  was  much  displeased"  at  the  complain- 
ing spirit  of  these  religious  teachers,  and  said  : — 
"Hearest  thou  what  these  say?"  "Yea,  have  ye 
never  read,  Out  of  the  mouth  of  babes  and 
sucklings  thou  hast  perfected  praise."  And  then 
to  give  the  highest  sense  of  their  moral  quality 
in  their  near  approach  to  God,  said: — "  I  say 
unto  you,  that  in  heaven  their  angels  do  always 
behold  the  face  of  My  Father  which  is  in  heaven." 


OF   REV.  G.  W.  WILSON.  211 

Then  in  the  charge  to  his  disciples  he  remember- 
ed the  "little  ones,"  saying  to  Peter, — "Feed  my 
lambs."  So  in  Jesus'  estimate  of  childhood  we 
have  a  true  criterion  and  guide ;  an  instructive 
lesson  left  us  to  impress  us  as  to  our  duty  toward 
the  smallest  and  feeblest  of  all  our  charge.  And 
it  is  a  matter  for  profound  thankfulness  that  the 
churches  hitherto  slow  to  act,  doubtful  of  pro- 
prieties, fearful  of  overdoing  in  prerogatives,  or  of 
seeming  to  deny  the  established  doctrine  of 
depravity,  are  beginning  to  recognize  the  true 
character  of  children,  and  the  relation  of  those 
of  believers,  to  the  churches. 

Another  view  in  which  the  import  of  childhood 
appears  is  in : — 3rd,  The  possible  influence  of 
CHILDREN.  "  A  little  child  shall  lead  them" 
becomes  an  established  and  unquestioned  fact  in 
our  times,  and  in  the  Church's  work  of  to-day. 
The  most  important  feature  of  religious  work  the 
world  has  known,  and  one  assuming  enlarged  pro- 
portions every  day,  and  becoming  grander  year  by 
year,  is  that  in  which  the  children  lead.  What  a 
marvel  in  any  view  that  may  be  taken  of  it  is  the 
Sabbath-school  interest  of  the  churches  of  to-day  ! 
This  all,  in  its  multiform  phases,  developed  from 
the  sight  of  a  few  ragged,  miserable  children  on 
the  streets,  looked  upon  by  one  whose  heart  was 
touched  with  the  pitiable  condition  of  these  little 
needy  ones,  a  hundred  years  ago. 


212  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

Says  a  recent  writer  : — 

"Suppose  it  could  have  been  given  to  Raikes  at 
the  first  session  of  his  little  school  of  ragged, 
ignorant,  vicious  children,  taught  by  four  women 
at  a  shilling  a  day,  to  have  beheld  the  fruits  of 
his  work  in  a  century,  as  seen  by  us  to-day. 
What  thought  had  he  of  what  he  was  doing  ?  He 
had  no  dream  that  this  little  Sunday-school  was 
the  mightiest  educational  institution  in  Great 
Britain  ;  that  the  poor,  rough  children  before  him 
represented  scholars  that  would  become  like  the 
stars  of  heaven  for  multitude ;  that  the  four 
female  teachers  before  him  represented  two 
millions  of  teachers,  who  in  a  century  would  be 
busy  in  instructing  the  young  of  all  classes  of 
society  the  world  over  ;  that  the  rough  room  in 
which  they  stood  was  the  prophecy  of  tens  of 
thousands  of  commodious  and  elegant  Sunday- 
school  buildings,  and  that  the  few  clumsy  books 
before  them  indexed  text  books,  magazines, 
papers  and  religious  libraries,  countless  in  num- 
ber, that  would  fall  as  the  leaves  of  the  tree  of 
life  for  the  healing  of  the  nations." 

The  great  International  S.  S.  Convention  that 
met  in  Louisville,  Ky.,  June  11,  1884,  was  the 
outgrowth  of  that  non-pretentious  work  of  a  cen- 
tury ago.  In  this  great  assembly  were  repre- 
sentatives of  all  Evangelical  Denominations, 
from  different   lands,  brought  together  in    com- 


OF    REV,  G.  W,  WILSON.  213 

pletest  harmony  of  action,  in  sweetest  fellowship 
in  worship,  and  in  hearty  and  earnest  accord  in 
philanthropic  effort ;  all  made  a  gi'and  possibility 
by  the  "child  to  lead  them."  And  in  unnumber- 
ed agencies  for  good,  and  benevolencies  set  on 
foot  to  bless  mankind,  if  we  search  the  annals  of 
the  times  we  shall  find  at  their  beginnings  there 
was  the  influence  of  the  child,  possibly  the  living 
child,  more  likely  still  the  angel  one. 

A  Welsh  minister  asked  a  little  girl  for  the 
text  of  the  last  sermon.  The  child  gave  no 
answer, — she  only  wept.  He  found  out  she  had 
no  bible  in  which  to  look  for  the  text ;  and  this 
led  him  to  inquire  whether  her  pareuts  or  neigh- 
bo  rs  had  a  bible  ;  and  this  led  him  to  begin  a 
Bible  Society  for  Wales.  Some  good  people  in 
London  said  :  "Why  should  we  not  have  a  Bible 
Society  for  England,  too?"  And  others  said: 
"and  for  France  and  for  the  nations  of  Eurojie?" 
And  then  another  said:  "And  why  not  have  a 
Bible  society  for  the  whole  world?"  The  tears 
of  that  little  girl  led  to  the  formation  of  the 
British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society, 

Such  facts  may  well  move  us  to  ponder  care- 
fully the  question  of  our  responsibility  as  leaders 
in  the  fields  of  Christian  effort  in  the  world,  in 
pastoral,  ministerial  and  evangelistic  endeavor  for 
the  advancement  of  God's  cause  and  the  spiritual 
well-being  of  men.     It  is  a  painful  thought  that 


214  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL   WORK 

some  religious  teachers  incline  to  be  apologists 
for  children  who  are  disposed  to  put  themselves 
in  a  Christian  attitude  while  very  young,  and  to 
move  in  the  van  of  those  who  seek  the  Saviour. 
Much  the  same  spirit  is  often  manifest  now  that 
was  offensive  in  the  Saviour's  time  touching  the 
religious  movements  of  the  children.  A  disposi- 
tion is  too  apparent  in  the  churches  among  con- 
fessedly religious  people  to  hinder  the  child  in  its 
first  feeble  efforts  to  come  to  Christ.  Then,  again, 
we  find  attempts  to  magnify  revivals  by  reports  of 
so  many  people  in  mature  years  or  advanced  life 
making  a  profession  of  religion.  It  is  a  magnifi- 
cent work  tp  save  an  old  and  hardened  sinner,  and 
it  takes  a  miracle  of  grace  to  do  it,  but  the  work 
gives  no  large  promise,  only  of  the  bare  salvation 
of  the  man  at  the  ninth  or  eleventh  hour  of  his 
life,  for  his  day  has  gone  to  waste. 

Instead  of  such  head  lines  as  we  have  men- 
tioned, would  not  wisdom  emphasize  the  conversion 
of  the  children?  Might  we  not  well  put  in  capi- 
tals at  the  top  the  grand  result  of  evangelism 
among  the  ^'■little  ones^^  who  are  destined  to  do 
God's  work  in  the  religious  progress  of  the  next 
forty  or  fifty  years? 

Children  have  no  gnarled  and  crooked  forms  to 
straighten  up,  like  those  whose  figures  have  been 
wrought  into  unsightly  shape  by  long  and  painful 
servitude  to  sin. 


OF    REV.    G.    W,  WILSON.  215 

The  preacher  starting  out  to  do  a  lifetime  work 
for  Christ,  if  possessed  of  any  adaption  for  that 
special  line  of  service,  might  begin,  continue  and 
end  his  gospel  mission  in  efforts  to  save  the  chil- 
dren, and  in  this  department  achieve  the  greatest 
success  possible  to  any  Christian  worker.  Here 
is  the  largest,  brightest,  sweetest  field  of  Chris- 
tian usefulness  the  world  affords,  and  in  its  faith- 
ful occupancy  there  is  promise  of  fame  and 
honor  and  glorious  reward.  We  begin,  too  often, 
our  work  in  revival  seasons,  intryingto  save  men, 
where  God's  work  ends  and  whefe  the  hardened 
of  heart  are  given  up.  We  undertake  to  save 
the  crystalized  unbeliever,  the  confirmed  opposer, 
the  settled  worldling,  the  continuous  neglector. 
If  we  were  to  put  forth  a  tithe  of  the  effort  to 
save  a  child  or  youth  we  do  to  rescue  one  of  these 
hoary  sinners  we  should  find  completest  success, 
and  add  a  worker  who  would  give  many  years 
of  faithful  service  to  the  Church. 

The  word  of  God  by  prophecy  makes  sure  that 
in  some  period  "  all  thy  children  shall  be  taught 
of  the  Lord,  and  great  shall  be  the  peace  of  thy 
children."  While  millennial  times  are  to  be 
ushered  in  with  a  "  little  child  to  lead,"  the  be- 
fore ferocious  and  untamed  peoples,  and  be  the 
cliiefesl  feature  of  the  pictured  scene  of  that 
golden  age  and  day  of  gospel  conquest. 

And  may  we  not  well  strive  to  take  admeasure- 


21()  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL   WORK 

meiit  of  that  heretofore  unsolved  problem  of 
childlife  as  it  relates  to  the  Church  of  God  and 
stands  inseparable  from  the  work  of  every  past<»r 
and  evangelist  in  revival  times. 

"  '  Suffer  these  little  ones  to  come  to  me, ' 
Was  the  command  of  Him,  who,  on  the  cross 
Bowed  His  anointed  head,  and  with  his  blood 
Purchased  redemption  for  our  fallen  race ; 
And  blessed  they  who  to  that  holy  task 
Devote  the  energies  of  their  strong  years. 
Teaching  with  pious  care  the  dawning  light 
Of  infant  intellect  to  know  the  Lord." 


or   REV.  G.  W.  WILSON.  217 


CAMP    MEETINGS. 


Jacksonville  Camp  Meeting. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 


^HESE  records  of  revival  meetings  close  with 
the  brief  accounts  we  give  under  this  gen- 
eral head. 

The   Jacksonville  Camp  Meeting  had  been  ar 
ranged  for  some  months  before  it  occurred.     It 
was  commenced   with  an  afternoon  service,  July 
23rd,  and  closed  August  2,  1884. 

The  Journal  said  at  an  early  date  of  the  meet- 
ing, "It  is  under  the  leadership  of  Rev.  G.  W. 
Wilson,  by  special  retainer  and  appointment.  His 
work  at  Centenary  last  winter  so  commended  itself 
that  originators  of  the  Camp  Meeting  were  anx- 
ious that  Mr.  Wilson  should  have  charge,  and  so 
nominated  him,  and  he  accepted  the  trust  as  early 
as  last  March. 

"  Dr.  William  Jones  and  wife,  able  co-workers, 
are  with  Mr.  Wilson  ;  the  one  as  teacher  of  the 
so-called  Higher  Christian  Life,  and  the  other  as 
the  leader  of  the  Female  Prayer  Meetings  and 
the  children's  meetino;s." 


218  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

These  meetings  were  largely  attended  through 
the  whole  time  of  their  continuance,  and  on  the 
Sabbath-day  it  was  estimated  that  as  many  as  ten 
thousand  persons  were  on  the  encampment. 

At  the  morning  hour  each  day  Dr.  Jones 
preached  a  sermon  touching  some  phase  of  the 
doctrine  of  Christian  Perfection,  as  set  forth  in 
the  Scriptures,  and  in  the  standards  of  Method- 
ism. Some  visiting  minister  occupied  the  pulpit 
at  2  :  30  p.  m.  At  5  :  30  the  children's  meeting 
was  held,  and  at  7  :  30  the  regular  revival  service, 
under  the  control  of  Mr.  Wilson.  He  usually 
preached  a  plain,  practical  sermon,  invited  seek- 
ers of  religion,  and  spent  some  time  in  work  at 
the  altar  with  awakened  penitents. 

Of  the  evening  service  of  Saturday,  July  26,. 
the  Journal  makes  the  following  notes  : 

"  Rev.  G.  W.  Wilson  preached  his  evening  ser- 
mon, which,  like  all  his  sermons,  contained  much 
to  urge  the  sinner  to  accept  the  truth.  He  has  a 
manner  which  captures  the  unbeliever's  attention 
and  presents  truth  to  him  in  a  pointed  way,  which 
was  unexpected,  but  unanswerable.  The  sermon 
last  night  was  on  the  work  of  a  person  after  con- 
version, that  even  then  they  have  a  cross  to  bear 
in  bringing  other  souls  to  the  light.  It  will  take 
the  renewal  of  the  entire  race  to  deliver  us  from 
the  perversion  of  sin.  The  first  and  all  important 
question  is,    'What  shall  I  do  to    be  saved  ;'  but 


OF  REV.   G.  W.  WLLSON.  219 

after  this  question  is  decided,  the  next  thing  that 
should  present  itself  to  a  Christian  is,  '  What  can 
I  do  to  save  others?'  This  point  was  clearly  and 
forcibly  brought  out  and  impressed  on  the  minds 
and  hearts  of  the  people,  and  will  have  a  grand 
effect  in  bringing  all  the  Christians  on  the  ground 
to  the  realization  of  the  fact  that  they  should  go 
to  work  and  do  something  for  the  cause ;  and 
when  all  these  people  get  earnestly  engaged,  the 
work  of  salvation  will  spread  throughout  the 
whole  community.  This  was  the  idea  of  Mr.  Wil- 
son's sermon,  and  it  was  a  grand  one,  and  was  to 
the  right  point." 

On  Sabbath  the  services  began  with  a  morning 
prayer  meeting,  led  by  Mr.  Seymore,  of  Franklin. 

The  Love  Feast  was  conducted  by  Kev.  W.  H. 
H.  Moore.  At  10  :  30  Dr.  Jones  preached  on  the 
subject  of  the  Transfiguration  of  Christ.  Text : 
Matt,  xvii.f  9. 

The  leading  thoughts  of  the  sermon  were  as  fol- 
lows : 

"This  remarkable  occurrence  in  the  history  of 
Jesus  teaches  us  that  earnest  believing  of  prayer 
always  precedes  a  manifestation  of  the  divine 
glory. 

"2.  It  teaches  us  the  individuality  of  the  dead. 

•'3.  It  reveals  to  us  the  fact  that  the  saints  in 
heaven  are  interested  in  the  salvation  of  men. 

"4.   That   special  revelations  of   God   to   the 


220  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

human  soul  are  essential  preparations  for  success- 
ful work. 

"5.  It  teaches  us  that  none  but  those  who  have 
been  in  the  presence  of  the  transfigured  Jesus 
are  prepared  for  the  work  or  ready  to  die. 

"6.  Finally  it  teaches  us  that  Jesus  is  the  cen- 
tral figure  of  the  gospel — the  abiding  One  of  the 
universe." 

At  2:30  p.  M.  Kev.  J  W.  Gaddis,  of  Cincin- 
nati, preached  from  //.  Samuel  xxiii.,  IS.  At 
night  Mr.  Wilson  preached  a  stirring  sermon  from 
/.  Tim.  ii.,  5.  At  the  invitation  given  for  seekers 
of  religion  about  fifteen  persons  responded  and 
presented  themselves  at  the  altar  for  prayer. 

On  Monday  Rev.  W.  N.  McElroy  preached 
a  very  able  sermon  from  Matt,  v.,  77,  18,  a 
brief  sketch  of  which  we  give  as  reported  by  the 
Journal: 

' '  The  object  of  religion  is  to  revolutionize  soci- 
ety by  taking  out  all  that  is  bad  and  introducing 
all  that  is  good.  It  accomplishes  this  through  in- 
dividuals. Religion  assaults  only  sin.  Christ 
fulfilled  the  civil,  levitical  and  moral  laws.  The 
Gospel  enlarges  the  claims  of  the  law.  The  Chris- 
tian is  an  honest  man  ;  pa3'S  his  debts  ;  debts  due 
men  and  debts  due  the  Church.  The  Christian 
is  upright,  truthful,  pure. 

"  The  object  of  the  gospel  of  Christ  is  to  im- 
part to  morally  impotent  men  power  to  do  right. 


OF   REV.    G.    W.  WILSON.  221 

"  We  learn  from  this  verse  : 

"  I .  Nothing  will  excuse  us  from  the  least  vio- 
lation of  God's  law. 

"2.  Little  things  must  be  attended  to.  It's  the 
little  sins  that  destroy  the  Christian  character." 

Many  pastors  from  distant  churches  came  and 
participated  in  the  services  from  time  to  time,  ren- 
dering valuable  help  in  the  able  and  interesting 
sermons  they  delivered. 

We  may  say  of  the  leadership  of  the  singing  at 
both  the  Jacksonville  and  Mechanicsburg  Camp 
Meetings,  that  it  was  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Kennedy, 
of  Griggsville.  He  is  a  good  singer,  and  did 
efficient  service.  He  uses  a  cornet,  plays  finely  ; 
makes  it  helpful  in  devotion,  and  enters  into  this 
service  with  a  spirit  that  betokens  his  deep  inter- 
est in  the  work,  and  impresses  the  people  with 
the  thought  that  his  worship  is  of  the  heart.  The 
summing  up  of  this  ten  days'  work  we  give  in  the 
words  of  the  Jacksonville  Journal: 

"  The  Camp  Meeting  has  come  to  a  close,  and 
all  who  have  taken  an  active  part  in  the  meetings 
are  confident  that  great  good  has  been  accom- 
plished and  that  the  meetings  have  been  a  feast 
of  fat  things  to  many  persons.  It  is  impossible 
to  estimate  the  good  results  of  any  camp  meeting. 
The  sermons,  exhortations,  testimonials,  songs 
and  prayers,  will,  perhaps,  exert  an  influence  for 
good  as  long  as  time  shall  last.     How  many  per- 


222  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

sons  were  converted  and  how  many  received  the 
blessing  of  *' perfect  love  "  cannot  very  well  be 
estimated.  At  almost  all  of  the  altar  exercises 
held  at  the  close  of  the  different  services  a  num- 
ber of  persons  knelt  at  the  altar  for  the  prayers 
of  Christians.  Many  persons  were  greatly  blessed 
durino;  the  meetings.  Sinners  were  converted  and 
professing  Christians  were  led  into  higher  life  and 
a  closer  walk  with  God,  and  both  sinners  and  Chris- 
tians heard  truths  presented  in  an  earnest,  loving 
manner,  that  they  will  remember  as  long  as  they 
live. 

' '  The  Christian  workers  who  have  been  labor- 
ing in  the  camp  ground  for  ten  days  have  been 
greatly  strengthened  and  encouraged  by  laboring 
side  by  side  with  each  other  for  a  few  days,  and 
have  gone  to  their  homes  under  a  new  inspiration, 
and  have  determined  to  do  better  work  than  ever 
before  for  God  in  trying  to  save  souls.  All  who 
have  heard  the  sermons  of  Revs.  Wilson,  Jones 
and  others  during  these  meetings,  will  feel  grate- 
ful to  them  for  their  earnest,  eloquent,  loving 
words  of  truth." 


OF    REV.  G.    W.    WILSON.  223 

Mechanicsburg   Camp  Meeting. 


This  meeting  was  under  the  supervision  of  the 
pastor,  Rev.  J.  B.  Colwell,  and  the  leadership  of 
Mr.  Wilson.  In  revival  efforts  of  this  kind  the 
division  of  labor  is  such  as  to  render  a  careful 
analysis  a  diflScult  and  almost  impossible  thing. 
There  are  too  many  actors  and  ministerial  laborers 
to  make  even  mention  of  them  by  name,  or  to  par- 
ticularize as  to  the  performance  of  each  during  the 
meeting.  Ministers  from  varied  fields  gathered 
here  from  day  to  day,  and  both  enjoyed  the  de- 
lightful services  of  this  occasion,  and  performed 
efficient  labor  for  the  Master.  Very  full  reports 
of  this  meeting  were  made  in  the  Morning  Moni- 
tor, of  Springfield,  111. 

A  feature  of  both  this  and  the  Jacksonville 
Camp  Meeting  was  the  presence  of  YezeroMotora, 
a  Japanese  student  of  Boston  Theological  Institute. 

He  was  converted  to  Christianity  by  one  of 
our  missionaries.  He  is  a  native  of  Tokio,  Japan, 
and  belongs  to  the  higher  educated  class.  He 
fully  understands  all  the  teachings  and  traditions 
of  the  people  of  the  Orient,  knows  the  doctrines 
of  Confucius,  and  was  highly  educated  in  that 
theory,  but  having  embraced  Christianity,  he  was 
disinherited  by  his  father,  and  came  to  this  coun- 
try to  learn  fully  the  languages  and  teachings  of 
the  blessed  gospel  he  had  embraced.     His  address 


224  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

was  very   instructive,  and  was   listened  to  with 
deep  interest  by  a  large  audience. 

This  meeting  commenced  August  14,  and  con- 
cluded the  22d.     The  Monitor  said  August  18  : 

"The  meetings  have  been  increasing; in  interest 
at  every  session,  until  the  services  are  almost  one 
continual  meeting.  There  is  scarcely  an  hour  dur- 
ing the  day  and  till  10  o'clock  at  night  but  what 
you  can  hear  either  the  voice  of  prayer  or  some  of 
the  beautiful  songs  of  Zion  wafted  on  the  air  at 
the  grand  stand,  or  in  the  tents.  The  meetings 
have  been  more  spiritual  than  ever  before.  The 
laborers  more  earnest  in  endeavoring  to  save  them- 
selves and  others,  and  their  efforts  are  being 
crowned  with  greater  success,  reminding  one  of 
the  old-time  camp  meetings  held  near  here  years 
ago." 

The  meetings  were  spiritual  and  good  through- 
out, and  many  rejoiced  in  God's  pardoning  mercy, 
many  in  his  comforting  and  purifying  grace. 

The  Monitor  says  of  the  Sabbath  morning 
service  : 

"  Sunday  morning  the  gentle  rain  commenced 
descending.  The  services  at  the  grand  stand  were 
of  a  deep  religious  order,  and  the  Love  Feast  was 
a  most  blessed  meeting.  Several  arose  and  ex- 
pressed a  desire  to  be  saved. 

"At  10 :  30  A.  M.  a  vast  multitude  had  assem- 
bled, the    entire  seating  capacity    was    filled    to 


01^   REV.  G.  W.  WILSOK.  225 

overflowing,  and  many  hundreds  could  not  get 
seats  but  had  to  remain  standing.  This  large 
audience  represented  people  from  all  over  Sanga- 
mon and  adjoining  counties.  The  services  at  the 
grand  stand  opened  by  all  singing  '^Nearer  my  God 
to  Thee,'  led  by  Bro.  Kennedy  with  his  cornet. 
Rev.  Dr.  Short,  of  Jacksonville,  delivered  a  grand 
and  unanswerable  sermon  in  defense  of  the  Chris- 
tian religion,  from  the  19th  chapter  of  Revela- 
tion, taking  as  his  text  a  portion  of  the  12th 
verse:  'And  on  his  head  were  many  crowns.' 
Five  thousand  people  listened  in  perfect  silence  to 
this  grand  sermon,  as  he  portrayed  the  beauties 
and  glorious  triumphs  of  the  Christian  who  places 
implicit  trust  in  God.  His  closing  address  to 
the  church  as  to  their  duty  in  spreading  this  gos- 
pel and  upbuilding  the  Saviour's  kingdom  was 
very  able  and  will  long  be  remembered  by  all  who 
heard  him." 

We  may  in  this  place  state,  as  it  is  fitting  and 
needful  to  say  before  we  close  this  record,  that 
Mr.  Wilson,  after  due  time  and  proper  delibera- 
tion, saw  the  way  clear  to  change  his  relationship 
in  life,  and  thereby  secured  a  worthy  helpmeet  for 
him. 

On  the  10th  of  June,  1884,  he  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Elma  M.  Boggs,  of  Hays,  Doug- 
las county,  Ills.  Mrs.  Wilson  is  a  worthy,  noble- 
spirited  Christian  lady,  one  who  is  active  in  church 

work,  and  promises  to  be  an  efficient   helper  to 
15 


22B  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL  AVORK 

Mr.  Wilson  in  his  evangelistic  labor.  During 
this  camp  meeting  Mrs.  Wilson  did  good  service 
in  conducting  the  children's  meeting,  held  at  2 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Of  one  of  the  last  days  of  the  meetings  the 
Monitor  makes  the  foUowins;  mention  : 

"Between  the  hours  of  6  and  7  o'clock  the 
camp  was  made  to  resound  with  songs  and  prayer 
at  the  various  tents  around  the  square.  Method- 
ism, with  its  grand  membership  and  churches, 
has  become  a  great  power  in  this  land,  and  the 
great  increase  in  its  membership  the  last  few  years 
have  been  marvelous.  It  still  moves  grandly  on 
with  well-trained  and  well-organized  machinery, 
carrying  the  masses  with  it. 

"At  8  p.  M.,  Tuesdays  *  Rock  of  Ages'  was 
wafted  on  the  breeze,  and  prayer  followed  by  Bro. 
Seymore,  of  Jacksonville.  Rev,  Wilson  con- 
ducted a  brief  praise  meeting,  after  which  he  said 
his  text  was  a  question,  and  would  be  found  in  the 
3rd  verse,  2d  chapter  of  Hebrews :  'How  shall 
we  escape  if  we  neglect  so  great  salvation  ?'  He 
showed  the  fallacy  of  people  claiming  to  be  'the' 
Church  of  God,  and  having  no  power  of  godli- 
ness, but  depending  on  forms  and  baptism  of 
water  for  their  salvation.  We  must  possess  the 
spirit  of  the  blessed  Master,  and  live  it  out  in  our 
lives.  Then  we  are  Christians,  and  it  matters  not 
what  church  we  belong  to. 

"  He  did  not  believe  that  men  are  the  best  at 


OF   REV.    G.    W.  WILSON.  227 

conversions,  but  that  as  they  continually  live  close 
to  the  side  of  the  precious  Saviour,  they  become 
more  and  more  like  Him,  and  their  closing  hours 
on  earth  should  be  their  best  hours.  He  showed 
that  the  many  excuses  men  make  for  not  accept- 
ing this  great  salvation,  and  closed  with  an  earn- 
est appeal  to  all  to  come  and  seek  the  Saviour  and 
accept  His  salvation.  Several  came  to  the  altar, 
among  the  number  aged  men,  and  several  were 
converted.  The  meeting  closed  with  much  Chris- 
tian rejoicing  and  hand-shaking." 

Thus  amid  rejoicings  ran  on  these  services  from 
day  to  day,  closing  most  pleasantly  with  many 
treasured  memories  of  blessing  and  privilege,  and 
many  incentives  to  religious  activity,  and  greater 
faithfulness  in  future  life. 

With  hopeful  adieus,  the  multitudes  that  had 
thronged  this  consecrated  spot  melted  at  last 
away,  leaving  the  great  forest  tabernacle  voiceless, 
except  as  nature's  songsters  pour  forth  here  their 
daily  matins.  We  here  conclude  the  sketchings 
that  pertain  to  Mr,  Wilson's  personal  work. 

The  Southern  Illinois  Conference  at  its  Session 
in  Fairfield,  Sept.  24,  1884,  continued  him,  at  his 
request,  in  the  supernumerary  relation.  We  shall 
rejoice  if  he  shall  find  enlarged  success  in  his  work 
of  preaching  Christ,  and  in  his  future  endeavors 
to  save  souls .  Since  Conference  he  has  conducted 
a  meeting  at  Coffeyville,  Kansas,  where  nearly  one 
hundred   persons  made  a  profession  of  religion. 


228  EVANGELISM,    AND   REVIVAL   WORK 


INVISIBLE    AGENCIES. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 


//.  Kings  vi.,  16,17:  "16.  Aud  he  answered,  Fear  not :  for 
they  that  be  with  us  are  more  than  they  that  be  with  them. 

"17.  And  Elisha  prayed,  and  said,  Lord,  I  pray  tliee  open 
his  eyes,  that  he  may  see.  And  the  Lokd  opened  the  eyes 
of  the  young  man ;  and  lie  saw :  and,  behold,  the  mountain 
was  full  of  horses  and  chariots  of  fire  around  about  Elisha." 

/.  Chron.  xiv.,  15:  "15.  And  it  shall  be,  when  thou  shalt 
hear  a  sound  of  going  in  the  tops  of  the  mulberry  trees  that 
then  thou  shalt  go  out  to  battle :  for  God  is  gone  forth  before 
thee  to  smite  the  host  of  the  Philistines." 


"  The  memory  of  their  loveliness 
Shall  round  our  weary  pathway  smile. 
Like  moonlight  when  the  sun  has  set, 
A  sweet  and  tender  radiance  yet." 

f[T  IS  the  purpose  of  this  chapter  to  take  some 
accouut  of  the  influence  on  the  worker  and 
on  those  he  seeks  to  move,  of  the  unseen, 
yet  intensely  active  beings  of  another  si)here, 
who  once  moved  among  us  as  our  fathers,  mothers, 
brothers,  sisters,  husbands,  wives  and  children, 
and  whose  memory  is  one  of  the  most  precious 
heritages  of  kindred  left  behind  them.  "  They 
are  not  lost  but  gone  before,"  and  in  some  inde- 
finable sense  are  the  leaders  of  the  living.     May 


OF   REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  229 

not  those  called  in  the  days  of  their  childhood  or 
of  their  activity  and  usefulness,  contribute  more 
to  the  well-being  of  human  society  to  all  those 
silent  and  invisible  forces,  giving  shape  and  course 
to  human  destiny  than  would  the  active  labors 
of  their  lives  if  they  had  lived  for  years.  In 
some  way  God  joins  in  harmonious  movement  the 
visible  and  the  invisible  in  the  great  spiritual  con- 
flict of  the  world,  and  declares  emphatically,  "the 
dead  yet  speak." 

There  is  such  a  thing  as  "the  spirit  of  the  dead 
that  walks  the  earth."  There  is  a  continuation  of 
influence,  subtle,  unknown,  unconscious  it  may 
be,  that  gives  color  to  character,  controls  in  action, 
gives  inspiration  in  effort  in  the  varied  lines  of 
human  duty,  and  forces  itself  in  unseen  channels, 
as  one  of  the  most  important  factors  of  earth's 
activities. 

Somehow  the  "mantle"  of  the  innocent  and  good 
does  "fall"  on  kindred  ones,  as  with  strained 
eye  they  gaze  upward  to  see  the  departing  form 
and  catch  the  vision  of  the  fiery  chariot  in  its 
heavenward  pathway. 

"  Can  that  one  be  dead 

Whose  spiritual  influence  is  upon  his  kind? 

He  lives  in  glory,  and  his  sleeping  dust 

Has  more  of  life  than  half  its  breathing  mould." 

They  who  have  left  us  (saddened,  pained,  and 
with  the  feeling  of  irreparable  loss  at  their  going), 


230  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

have  often  enriched  us  in  all  that  goes  to  make 
life  more  beautiful  and  noble,  in  the  sweet  mem- 
ories that  cluster  round  them.  In  mystic  form 
they  go  to  the  farthest  ends  of  earth,  and  to  the 
utmost  verge  of  time.  At  some  period,  in  some 
remote  region  of  the  world,  the  re-appearance  of 
kindred  scenes,  the  incidents  of  time  or  place, 
may  call  to  mind  the  form,  or  life,  or  dying  scene 
of  dear  departed  ones,  and  a  new  chord  be  struck 
vibrating  in  unison  with  child,  or  mother's  love, 
and  words  and  acts  of  these  buried  ones  reappear, 
so  that  the  stout  and  hitherto  unyielding  heart 
shall  bend  and  victory  crown  the  silent  forces  that 
have  been  marshalled  in  the  memory. 

"  Mysterious  is  the  viewless  chain 
That  binds  dead  years  and  walies  again, 

With  an  electric  thrill, 
Familiar  voices  of  the  past, 
To  sweep  the  present  as  a  blast 
That  heeds  no  'peace  be  still.'  " 

Who  would  have  thought  that  at  that  distant 
place  and  far-olf  period  the  memory  of  the  dead 
would  rise  to  assert  a  sway  so  wonderful  and  all- 
controlling.  That  the  seed-grain  planted  in  the 
hour  of  mourning  and  loss,  would  germinate  and 
bring  forth  fruit  in  after  years  in  the  soul's  com- 
plete reformation  and  delivery. 

Yet  such  is  God's  order  among  the  invisible 
forces  of  the  spiritual  realm. 

The  child-life  is  prolonged  through  a  generation 


OF    REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  231 

by  the  recollection  of  it,  and  its  innocence,  beauty, 
and  even  its  unearthliness  have  been  written  in 
living  forms  to  take  shape  again  and  again,  and  be 
repeated  over  and  over  for  an  age. 

"  When  death  strikes  down  the  innocent  and  young 

From  every  fragile  form  from  which  he  lets 

The  parting  spirit  free, 

A  hundred  virtues  rise 

In  shapes  of  mercy,  charity,  and  love, 

To  walk  the  world  and  bless  it. 

Of  every  tear, 
That  sorrowing  mortals  shed  on  such  green  graves 
Some  good  is  born,  some  gentler  nature  comes.'' 

Such  forces  have  more  than  wonted  potency  in 
revival  times.  Every  revivalist  more  or  less 
evokes  the  mystic  power  of  these  silent  and  un- 
seen agencies. 

Christ  is  the  superhuman  form  of  this  spirit  in- 
fluence, man's  the  circumscribed  and  human. 
How  the  presence  of  Jesus  is  multiplied  ten  thous- 
and fold  by  his  decease  and  final  departure  from 
the  world  !  He  who  in  his  lifetime  walked  the 
Judean  highways  in  his  daily  ministrations,  known 
intimately  to  thQ  few,  seen  by  favored  Jews,  and 
heard  by  the  merest  fragment  of  the  peoples, 
goes  now  in  the  higher  sense  into  intimacy  with 
every  man,  enters  as  a  familiar  fireside  guest,  not 
alone  into  the  Mary's  and  Martha's  and  Matthew's 
homes,  but  into  every  family  circle,  and  all  the 
homes,  of  all   the   lands.      How  His  spirit  walks 


2o2  KVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

abroad  !  How  His  departure  has  given  force  to 
air  the  words  He  spake,  to  all  the  miracles  He 
wrought,  to  all  His  acts  of  mercy,  and  efBciency 
to  every  agency  for  good  He  set  in  motion  while 
He  lived  ! 

He  said: — "It  is  expedient  for  you  that  I  go 
away."  All  man's  human  instincts  would  have 
retained  him,  yet  the  disciples  reaped  a  rich  fruit- 
age from  his  departure,  in  the  added  spiritual 
influence  that  found  enlargement  by  his  bodily 
removement  from  the  earth,  while  each  added 
year,  and  decade,  and  century,  marks  the  increase 
of  that  power.  Now  such  is  true,  in  lesser  measure  ^ 
of  any  of  God's  children  moulded  and  fashioned 
to  reflect  the  image  of  the  Divine  Redeemer, 
whose  spirit  breathes  in  human  forms,  and  lives 
forever  in  the  forces  organized  in  life  and  re- 
inforced by  death.  We  are  wont  to  think  of  the 
living  as  nearly  the  sole  agents  of  religious  work. 
They  are  a  large  division,  it  is  true,  yet  the  larger 
working  force  is  made  up  of  the  "innumerable 
company  of  angels,  and  the  spirits  of  just  men 
made  perfect,"  whose  unseen  presence  rests  as  a 
continual  benediction  ou  the  earth. 

In  truth : —    , 

"The  body  may  lie  mouldering  in  the  grave, 
But  the  soul  goes  marching  on." 

The  strams  of  music  linger  long  after  the  touch 
of   the    performer    ceases.     The    musician  who 


OF    liEV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  233 

evoked  the  melody  may  be  forgotten,  when  the 
voice  and  song,  the  harmony  and  numbers,  may 
linger  more  sweetly  voiced  than  when  the  living 
artist  poured  them  forth  so  fresh  and  free  upon 
delighted  ears. 

Let  none  of  the  great  army  of  religious  workers 
think  that  God's  summons  to  another  sphere,  or 
call  to  a  new  mode  of  being,  by  snapping  asunder 
the  cords  of  life,  necessarily  means  an  end  of 
earthly  usefulness,  or  a  discontinuance  of  our 
connexion  with  the  active  agencies  of  earth  for 
doing  good.  Few  of  us  know  our  indebtedness, 
or  can  realize  our  obligations  to  those  who  live 
alone  in  memory.  Our  fathers,  mothers,  wives, 
and  children  are  out  of  sight,  not  out  of  mind, 
are  released  from  earthly  suffering,  but  not  from 
earthly  service. 

'*  God  calls  our  loved  ones,  but  we  lose  not  wholly 
What  he  has  given ; 

They  live  on  earth  in  thought  and  deed  as  truly 
As  in  His  heaven." 

Even  the  "little  ones,"  whom  the  Father  has 
removed  from  us  by  a  seemingly  untimely  death, 
have  not  gone  before  any  useful  mission  had  been 
fulfilled  on  earth,  and  with  none  of  the  fruits  of 
this  life  to  bear  to  the  garner  of  heaven.  No! 
They  have  imparted  an  inspiration  by  their  pas- 
sage through  the  doors  of  birth  and  death,  to  con- 
tinue as  a  legacy  of  purity  and    sweetness  in  this 


234  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

world  of  sin  and  bitterness.  Then  for  years  after 
their  departure  their  ministrations  are  continued, 
and  by  some  unknown  law  of  contact  they 
touch  the  springs  of  human  action  and  incite  to 
kind  and  noble  deeds.  In  this,  to  us,  indefinable 
presence,  they  find  access  where  the  living  actor 
would  be  excluded,  or,  if  permitted,  would  find 
his  most  ardent  pleas  would  be  unavailing. 

There  is  no  human  power  that  avails  to  exclude 
this  presence, — so  in  a  peculiar  spirit  forc^  the 
angel  wife,  or  child,  or  mother,  goes  to  shops, 
and  stores,  and  factories,  and  mills,  and  offices, 
and  counting  houses,  and  marts  of  trade,  and 
halls  of  legislation,  and  palaces,  and  become  the 
monitors  of  men  and  silent  pleaders  for  humanity. 
So  they  become  the  successful  advocates  of 
orphan  children,  distressed  widows,  the  maimed, 
and  blind,  and  deaf,  the  sick  and  dying,  and  the 
multitudes  perishing  because  they  know  not 
Christ. 

No,  they  have  not  lived  in  vain,  when  some 
lives  are  better  for  them,  when  harshness  is  over- 
come, when  worldliness  is  subdued,  when  sym- 
pathy for  human  sorrow  is  increased,  when 
charity  and  benevolence  take  on  enlarged  and 
Christ-like  forms,  and  agencies  are  set  on  foot  to 
work  for  centuries  for  God.  Thus  workers  in 
the  cause  of  Christ  have  been  stimulated  to  com- 
plete self-abnegation,  to  entire  devotion  to   their 


OF    REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  235 

chosen  lines  of  effort,  as  could  never  have  been 
but  for  the  remembrance  of  sainted  child,  or  wife, 
or  friend.  And  preachers  have  preached  with 
such  power  and  pathos,  such  sense  of  nearness  of 
the  heavenly  world,  such  indifference  to  earthly 
allurements  and  charms,  as  could  only  corae  by 
the  sense  of  angel  form  that  possessed  the  mind, 
and  hung  like  an  ever-present  glory  on  the  path- 
way. Men  are  influenced  often  more  by  those 
who  have  gone  before  than  by  those  who  are  left 
behind.  They  have  furnished  a  continuous  force 
to  propel  men  forward  in  the  ways  of  duty  and 
religion.  Who  has  not  hastened  in  his  work  and 
been  inspired  to  intenser  devotion  to  it  by  the 
memory  of  the  loved,  whose  very  silence  has  been 
more  eloquent  than  words  !  So  men  have  lived 
better,  achieved  more,  done,  and  given,  and 
suffered  more,  than  would  have  been  possible 
without  these  spirit  influences  moving  their  in- 
most being. 

"Their  moral  life,  their  influence  is  not  gone, 
When  the  material  bonds  around  us  break ; 
In  other  minds  their  spirit  still  lives  on,       ^ 
Though  dead  they  speak." 

The  death  bed  scene  and  words  of  Wesley  are 
vivid  yet,  and  Bishop  McKendree's  "all  is  well," 
rings  as  a  triumphant  note  from  the  border  land, 
to  give  added  courage  to  thousands  of  God's 
militant  host,  as    they    follow    through   the  vale. 


236  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

Thus  after  they  have  "entered  into  rest"  their 
ijood  service  to  mankind  continues  in  laro;e  or 
lesser  measure.  And  not  they  alone  who  did 
years  of  eflScient  service  in  the  world,  but  even 
the  child-life  that  faintly  dawned,  then  sank  into 
the  night  of  death,  is  made  a  benediction  and  a 
blessing  on  the  earth.  Bishop  Ames  embalmed 
forever  the  memory  of  his  beautiful  child  (that 
was  burned  to  a  blackened  mass),  in  the  pathetic 
relation  of  the  incident  in  his  grand  sermon  on 
"  Have  faith  in  God."  Bishop  Bowman  said, 
and  doubtless  has  said  it  to  many  thousands  to 
such  purpose  as  God  can  only  know  : — "  That  the 
joy  which  my  little  Fannie  left  with  me  is,  I 
think,  the  nearest  of  anything  to  the  joy  of 
heaven,  for  it  was  never  mixed  with  a  pain 
she  gave  me."  Little  Lulu  Harrison,  dying 
when  four  years  of  age,  has  been  speaking,  not 
alone  to  the  hearts  of  those  bereaved,  but  for 
more  than  twenty  years  her  dying  words,  so  won- 
derful, have  been  voiced  to  hundreds  in  sermon 
and  exhortation.  Theodore  L.  Cuyler  has  been 
more  active  and  more  useful,  too,  since  his  little 
daughter  left  the  "empty  crib"  of  which  he 
writes  so  touchingly. 

Our  only  dear  one  left  us,  too,  while  we  were 
planning  to  prepare  him  to  do  the  work  of  a  long 
and  busy  life.  Yet  he  is  living  now,  in  larger 
sense   than  if   he  had    tarried   in  the  world.     In 


OF   REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  .237 

some  way  God  seems  to  enlarge  the  sphere. 
Said  one,  while  many  have  said  similar  things, — 
"  Osman's  life,  short  as  it  was,  was  not  in  vain, 
for  we  are  all  better  for  having  had  him." 

God's  living  agents  are  not  enough,  so  he 
harnesses  as  one,  the  forces  of  the  living  and  the 
dead.  A  poor  Hindoo  mother  saw  with  grief  and 
pain  her  child  slowly  pass  through  the  vale  of 
death  and  beyond  her  reach  and  sight,  yet  the 
death  of  that  infant  child  led  her  to  the  Saviour. 
Far  and  wide  He  sows  the  seed  and  plants  mor- 
tality in  early  graves,  to  bloom  in  earth's  sterile 
soil,  and  bear  such  fruits  as  to  make  it  seem  once 
more  an  Eden. 

"Still  shines  the  light  of  holy  lives 

Like  starbeams  over  doubt ; 

Each  sainted  memory,  Christ -like,  drives 

Some  dark  possession  out." 
Many  a  worker  has  drawn  fresh  inspiration 
from  the  memory  of  the  sainted  dead,  and  has 
gone  forth  to  wider  fields,  intenser  activities, 
steadier  devotion,  and  enlarged  success,  with  this 
new  heritage  of  power.  No  endowment  is  so 
costly,  none  of  higher  import,  or  of  more  endur- 
ing character  than  this.  It  is  only  less  than  the 
direct  divine  influence  upon  the  heart  and  life. 

Tn  public  ministrations  the  memory  of  sainted 
ones  is  again  and  again  invoked  to  give  point  and 
energy  to  truth,  to  arouse  the  emotions  of  the 
unfeeling  hearer  and  to  touch  responsive  chords  in 
hearts  unmoved  by  every  other  force. 


238  EVANGELISM,    AND    REA^IVAL    WORK 

To  portray  the  incidents  of  a  pious  life,  the 
triumphs  of  Christian  death,  the  words  and 
scenes  of  life's  latest  hour,  is  within  the  province 
of  every  Christian  worker  who  would  wed  every 
agency  in  the  realm  of  truth  to  his  work  in  arous- 
ing insensate  men  to  activity  and  duty. 

"Thus  saints,  that  seem  to  die  in  earth's  wide  strife, 

Only  win  double  life ; 
They  have  but  left  bur  weary  ways, 
To  live  in  memory  here,  in  heaven  by  love  and  pi'aise." 

How  many  of  the  grand  sermons,  the  most 
effective  appeals  of  evangelistic  workers,  and  the 
most  hearty  and  successful  efforts  of  Christian 
people  of  every  class  have  been  the  direct  outflow 
of  that  prolific  source  of  good,  the  cherished 
memory  of  the  dead. 

Mr.  Wilson  has  had  a  spirit  force  in  constant 
action  near  him  that  has  doubtless  nerved  him  in 
many  a  valiant  conflict  in  the  Master's  cause. 
What  a  ministration  of  good  to  him  has  "May,  " 
the  "  little  one,"  and  Jennie,  the  sainted  wife, 
been  in  his  many  struggles  for  victory  in  revival 
work,  in  the  years  since  child  and  ivife  were  re- 
moved to  heaven.  In  some  sense,  if  not  in  the 
express  manner  had  in  mind  by  the  dying  wife, 
her  promise  has  been  fulfilled  :  "If  such  a  thing 
as  coming  back  is  possible,  I  will  be  with  you." 

Mr.  Wilson  was  doubtless  by  nature  adapted  to 
evangelistic  work,  but  never  could  so  fully  have 
consecrated  himself  to  it,  nor  so  eflSciently   have 


OF   REV.    G.    W,    WILSON. 


239 


performed  it,  if  bereavement  had  not  come 
to  send  him  adrift  from  the  comforts  and  delights 
of  home,  and  to  lead  him  to  find  his  greatest  joy 
in  the  rejoicing  of  others,  and  his  completest  rest 
in  incessant  labor. 


240  EVANGELISM,  AND   REVIVAL   WORK 


CONCLUSION- 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 


"  How  blest  the  sacred  tie  that  binds, 
In  sweet  commuuion  kindred  minds! 
How  swift  the  heavenly  course  they  run, 
Whose  hearts,  and  faith,  and  hopes  are  one ! 
Nor  shall  the  glowing  flame  expire, 
When  dimly  burns  frail  nature's  fire ; 
Then  shall  they  meet  in  realms  above, 
A  heavon  of  joy,  a  heaven  of  love." 

OW  many  helps  in   Christian    life  !      How 

many  incentives  to   perseverance  !      How 

many  dangers    in   going   backward !      So 

many   are   hoping   we    may  succeed,    some   are 

looking  for   us   to    fail,    and  all  are   interested 

spectators    of   our   heavenly    race.      Our   work 

in   this   world,   religiously,  will  partake   largely 

of  the  character  we  may  choose  to  give  it.     We 

can  elect  whether  our  stay  here  is  to  be  greatly 

to  our  advantage  and  helpful  to  others,  or  result 

in  sad  loss  to  us  and  disaster  to  those  around  us. 

We  are  in  a  Held    where  seeds  are   to  be  sown  of 

the  kind  that  we  may  choose.     15ut  be  they  good 

or  bad,  many  or   few,  they  are  to    germinate  by 

fixed  laws  of   vegetation,  and  bring  forth  fruit  in 


OF    REV.    G.    W.  WILSON.  241 

varied  fold,  both  for   this  and   the  life   to  come. 

"We  scatter  seeds  with  careless  hand, 

And  dream  we  ne'er  shall  see  them  more; 

But  for  a  thousand  years 

Their  fruit  appears, 

In  weeds  that  mar  the  land, 

Or  healthful  store." 
The  Christian  ought  to  be  a  skilled  and  ready 
workman.  He  ought  to  know  when  and  how. 
He  ought  always  to  feel  himself  one  of  an  associa- 
tion. There  may  be  stronger  in  it,  possibly 
many  weaker.  If  stronger,  they  should  help  him; 
— if  weaker,  he  should  help  them.  If  any  are 
young,  naturally  they  look  to  the  older.  If  any 
are  starting,  they  follow  in  the  footsteps  of  those 
who  have  gone  before.  Where  can  the  Christian 
turn  but  responsibilities  shall  meet  him  ?  Where 
can  he  go  but  some  one  will  see  him  ?  What  can 
he  do  but  some  one  will  do  like  him?  What 
neglects  can  he  make  but  some  one  will  plead  his 
case  as  an  excuse  ?  What  duties  can  he  perform 
but  others  will  be  incited  to  them  by  his  example  ? 
WTiat  formalities,  in  religious  life,  may  you 
assume  that  your  child  or  neighbor  will  not 
imitate?  If  you  are  spiritless  in  worship,  what 
dulness  may  it  beget  in  others  ?  If  you  make  it 
no  matter  of  conscience  to  be  in  your  place  and  do 
your  share  of  service,  may  not  others  be  led  into 
a  conscienceless  way  of  living,-and  you  in  this  aid 

in   growing   up  a  powerless  and  inefficient  body 
16 


242  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL    WORK 

of  believers?     Then    set  up  a  high    standard    of 
relio^ioii.     Make  it  a  thinor  of  oroino;   doiiis:,  irrow- 
ing,  and  it  will  tell  for  good  around  you. 
"They  teach  us  how  to  live; 
With  blameless  life,  girt  round  with  puritj', 
Lowly  in  heart,  in  soul  and  purpose  high. 
Sweet  lessons  do  they  give 
Of  faith,  of  love,  of  hope ;  for  all  they  shone 
Brightest  in  Christian  lives,  they  made  their  own." 
Some    things     you     may    not     know.       'Tis 
well    God    hides    them,     lest     you    might     be 
satisfied  with  what   was    done,  or  feel   elated  by 
your  known  success.  You  may  not  know  how  you 
have  encouraged  the    desponding,  comforted  the 
sorrowing,  strengthened  the  weak,  confii-med  the 
wavering,    started  anew  the  halting,  and  helped 
by   word    and    deed    a  whole    community   to  a 
higher  plane  of  living  ! 

"  Thou  knowest  not  what  argument 
Thy  life,  to  they  neighbors  creed  has  lent." 
One  thing,  the  limits   of   Christian  experience 
and  Christian  usefulness  are  very  wide. 

We  can  call  to  mind  no  renowned  disciples 
of  the  Saviour  who  ever  exhausted  the  provisions 
of  grace  for  spiritual  growth,  or  touched  the 
farthest  bounds  of  influence  for  good  upon  their 
fellow  men.  The  saintly  Fletcher,  the  earnest 
Carvasso,  the  pure-minded  Cowper,  the  deeply- 
experienced  Bunyan,  the  intensely  active  Wesley, 
the  learned  Clarke,  the  instructive  Henry,  the 
useful   Whitefield,  and  the  valiant  Luther,  none 


OF    REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  243 

or  all  of  them,  exhausted  the  resources  of  gi*ace, 
nor  the  capacities  of  a  divinely  and  graciously 
endowed  human  being. 

But  how  low  our  experience,  when  its  possibili- 
ties are  so  high  !  How  narrow  the  confines  of 
our  influence  when  God  has  ordained  the  range 
so  wide  !  How  small  our  demands  with  a  supply 
so  limitless  !  None  of  the  holy,  or  the  happy,  or 
the  useful,  of  any  age,  had  any  promise  of  a 
measure  of  grace  beyond  our  reach,  or  a  spiritu- 
ality unattainable  to  us,  or  a  moral  perfection  to 
which  we  need  not  aspire.  Possibly  opportunities 
are  greater  or  less,  and  abilities  are  varied,  yet 
none  are  limited  in  experimental  progress. 

Has  not  the  young  convert  a  bright  prospect 
before  him?  May  not  his  faith,  bringing  to  his 
view  a  pardoning  Saviour,  bring  visions  of  contin- 
uous grace,  "  saving  to  the  uttermost  V^ 

"When  man  is  born  anew, 
And  beings  perfect  bliss  is  given, 
Lo,  a  new  Eden  starts  in  view, 
While  angel-harps  rejoice  in  heaven, 
'Tis  wondrous  all,  divinely  bright, 
And  the  new  creature  walks  in  light." 

But  just  here  the  limits  may  be  set  by  man's 
misconception  of  the  gracious  plan,  and  the  false 
assumption  that  compressed  in  this  raorn  of  re- 
generated life,  are  the  fullest  measures 
of  redeeming  grace.  'Tis  true  this  work  is 
alone,    as   an   introductory   passage  in    religious 


244  EVANGELISM,  AND    REVIVAL  WORK 

life,  but  stands  inseparably  connected  with 
every  stage  of  its  future  growth.  This  is 
the  starting  point,  but  not  the  goal.  It  is  "  from 
strength  to  strength."  It  is  as  the  growing  corn, 
— "the  blade,  the  stalk,  the  ear,  the  full  corn  in 
the  ear."  It  contemplates  no  stopping  point  this 
side  of  heaven.  Each  part  of  religious  life  has 
its  own  peculiar  phase  of  beauty,  excellence,  and 
sweetness.  The  morning  freshness  does  not 
excel  the  noontide  glory,  nor  the  eventide 
serenity  and  peace.  It  is  a  beauteous  whole  if  not 
marred,  and  cramped,  and  minified,  by  human 
blindness  and  perversity.  It  is  a  development  as 
marvelous  and  divine  as  that  which  wrought  out 
from  chaos  a  world  of  order  and  of  beauty.  It  is 
God's  process  of  evolution  in  the  soul's  redemp- 
tion, delivery,  and  purification.  It  is  a  thing  of 
stages,  as  clear  in  its  outline  to  a  living  faith ,  as  the 
ladder  and  its  rounds  to  patriarchal  vision.  The 
whole  teaching  of  the  word  of  God  impresses  the 
idea  of  continuous  attainment.  There  is  not  a 
point  where  the  experience  may  not  be  deepened 
in  the  things  of  God,  nor  a  state  where  new 
delights  may  not  spring  to  life  by  the  spirit's 
power  as  flowers  in  the  garden  of  the  Lord. 

But  how  the  young  need  incentives  to  progres- 
sion in  experimental  and  practical  religion  !  How 
many  seem  to  get  the  idea  of  "  here  we  rest." 
How  few  catch  the   grand    inspiration   that  leads 


OF   REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  245 

them  to  say,  "  forgetting  those  things  which  are 
behind,  and  reaching  forth  unto  those  things 
which  are  before,  I  press  toward  the  mark  for  the 
prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus." 
How  few  "huno^er  and  thirst  after  righteousness  !" 

"  O  for  a  glimpse  of  Him  my  soul  adores! 
As  the  chased  hart,  amid  the  desert  waste, 
Pants  for  the  living  stream;  for  Him  who  made  her, 
So  pants  the  thirst}^  soul,  amid  the  blank 
Of  sublunary  joys." 

We   put  too    much   stress   upon   the  "  things 

that  are  seen,"  too  little   on  "the  invisible,"  but 

substantial  and  enduring.     We  chase  the  shadows 

and  forget  the  substance  !  We   live   too  much  in 

the   realm    of   sight,    too  little  in.  that  of    faith. 

What  communings  and  longings  may  dwell  in  the 

bosom  of  the  saintly  pilgrim. 

"  All  my  thoughts  which  upward  winging 
Bathe  where  Thy  own  light  is  springing, 
All  my  yearnings  to  be  free. 
Are  as  echoes  answering  Thee. 

O !  who  the  speed  of  bird  and  wind, 
And  sunbeam's  glance  will  lend  me. 
That  soaring  upward  I  may  And 
My  resting  place  and  home  in  Thee?" 

When  the  day  comes  that  God's  people  shall 
pa7it,  and  long,  and  tliirst  for  the  higher  revela- 
tions of  Himself,  in  His  spirit's  presence  and 
power;  then,  indeed,  shall  the  Church  "look 
forth  as  the  morning,  fair  as  the  moon,  clear  as 
the  sun,  and  terrible  as  an   army  with  banners." 


246  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL   WORK 

When  God's  people  shall  be  a  "  holy  people," 
then  shall  men  everywhere  "  take  knowledge  of 
them  that  they  have  been  with  Christ  and  learned 
of  Him,"  and  a  mighty  savor  for  good  shall  go 
forth  from  the  disciples  of  the  Saviour.  O  for 
the  day  when  religion  shall  assert  its  highest 
claims  and  exert  its  fullest  influence  ! 

A  devoted  layman  said  to  Pres.  Payne,  of  the 
Ohio  Wesleyan  University,  lately: — "After  I 
professed  religion  I  made  this  record  of  my  plan  : 
I  solemnl}'^  purpose  from  this  time  forward  to 
6'erye  God  as  a  calling,  and  do  business  to  pay 
expenses."  Some  such  sentiment  ought  to  govern 
the  action  of  every  intelligent  Christian.  It  does 
not,  hence  the  poverty  of  religious  life.  How 
low  is  our  spirituality,  hcrw  small  our  measure  of 
enjoyment,  how  feeble  our  moral  force  !  Where 
are  Christians  all  seeking  to  reach  the  highest 
standard  of  moral  excellence  and  devotional  life.? 
Where  shall  we  go  to  find  a  holy  emulation  in 
the  things  of  God  ? 

Who  shall  be  most  pure,  most  humble,  most 
devout,  most  useful?  are  questions  to  be  often 
asked  in  our  meditative  moods,  and  to  be  answer- 
ed daily  in  our  Godly  living. 

♦'  O  let  us  stir  each  other  up, 

Our  faith,  our  works  to  approve, 

By  holy  purifying  hope 

And  the  sweet  task  of  love." 
We   rejoice   that   there    are   some    in    all   the 


OF   REV.    G.    W.    WILSON.  247 

churches  who  are  animated  by  a  holy  zeal,  and 
show  by  sweet,  pure  lives,  and  unostentatious 
piety,  that  they  have  found  the  "  more  excellent 
way,"  and  invite  by  a  bright  example  rather  than 
by  a  loud  profession,  to  the  higher  walks  of 
religious  experience.  How  much  there  is  for  us  ! 
How  little  do  an}'^  of  us  know  of  the  deep  things, 
the  rich  things,  the  "prepared  things"  of  His 
redemptive  mercy  !  What  wonders  in  his  grace  ! 
"Eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  heart  perceived' '  the  "ful- 
ness of  joy" — nor  out  steps  measured,  the  lengths 
and  breadths  of  the  '  'riches  of  His  grace,"  in  Jesus 
Christ.  No  !  Here  is  an  everlasting  theme,  and 
an  inexhaustible  supply  for  every  human  being. 

"  He  kept  not  back  His  Son, 
But  hatli  given  Him  for  our  good, 
And  our  safety  He  hath  won 
By  the  shedding  of  His  blood. 
O  thou  fathomless  abyss  I 
My  weak  powers  but  strive  in  vain, 
Knowledge  of  Thy  depths  to  gain ; 
Man  knows  no  such  love  as  this ;     . 
It  alone  is  full,  and  free. 
And  lasting  as  eternity." 

To  the  higher  walks,  the  diviner-  joys,  the 
intenser  activities  of  religious  life,  let  us  all  go 
on.  Then  somewhere,  when  alike  we  have  been 
fitted  for  that  end  by  His  purifying  grace  and 
saving  power.  Pastor  and  Evangelist,  Member 
and  Convert,  shall  join  that  ransomed  throng, — 


248  EVANGELISM,    AND    REVIVAL,    WORK. 

sayiDg  with  a  loud  voice,  "Worthy  is  the  lamb 
that  was  slain  to  receive  power,  and  riches,  and 
wisdom,  and  strength,  and  honor,  and  glory, 
and  blessing."     Amen! 

"  There  we  shall  end  our  sad  complaints 

And  wearj^,  mournful  dajs, 

And  join  with  the  triumphant  saints, 

That  sing  the  Saviour's  praise. 

Our  knowledge  of  that  life  is  small, 

The  eye  of  faith  is  dim, 

But  'tis  enough  that  Christ  knows  all, 
nd  we  shall  be  with  him."  ^  n 


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